The Mind

In order to defend his argument, Carr did elaborate neuroscience research. Carr wanted to find out what was physically changing due to his extensive use of the Internet and technology. Through his findings, Carr discovered how the Internet, and the constant access to information and new data, is causing changes to the neurological pathways in our brains. While books allow the mind to block out distractions and stimulation by focusing on the text, the Internet is constantly giving our mind small decisions that require choices to be made, preventing us from being able to process deep thoughts or analysis.

A major theory that supported Carr’s claim was the concept of “neuroplasticity.” Before, it was believed that the mind doesn’t change after birth, but now it has been discovered that habits, whether they are positive or negative, can change the way a persons mind is constructed. This theory is further explained in the video below. Research has been conducted to prove that the Internet is causing our mind to be in a perpetual state of distraction. While on the Internet different pieces of information are constantly being put into our short-term memory, without having enough time to process and be converted into long term memory. As our mind becomes adjusted to this method of thinking, it becomes regular in everyday life. Rather than being able to concentrate, our mind is always craving more information, trivial or important.