College Research extra credit

1. Why does the author, Nicholas Carr, feel like his mind is changing as a result of the Internet? 
   The author Nicholas Carr feels as though his mind is changing as a result of the internet because over time he feels that his thoughts are not his own. As if someone else was controlling him.

 2. How does doing research today compare with doing research in a library in the old days, before the Internet? (I know you weren't around 20 years ago, but answer this based on what knowledge you have gathered about libraries in your lifetime).
    Doing research in present time is different from the past because now people put in question to Google or other search engines and are able to find the answer. In the past people would have to go to the libraries or do research in textbooks which took more time.

 3. How have Nicholas Carr's reading habits changed because of the Internet?
    Nicholas Carr's reading habits have changed because he no longer looks through books for answers now he goes on the internet and looks up key parts.

 4. How is reading online different than reading a long article or book? Is there a difference? Explain.
   Reading online is different because when reading an actual article you'd just read that one article instead of how it is on line with through the article there's other reading material attached.

 5. Do you agree or disagree that our minds think like computers? Explain.
    I agree that our minds think like computers because we now rely on computers to fix problems such as grammar or punctuation. We also don't write in complete sentences or with script because of this.

 6. Do you agree or disagree that the computer "is subsuming most of our other intellectual technologies?"
   I agree that the computer is subsuming most of our other intellectual technologies because we mainly rely on the internet to fix any of our problems or help us in everyday life.

 7. Why do you think The New York Times changed its format? Do you think it was a good idea or a bad idea? Why?
   I believe The New York Times changed its format to relate to the younger generations. I do not believe this was a good idea because its now allowing people the easier way out rather then the way its been for many years.

 8. What does Nicholas Carr mean by "knowledge work?"
   I believe Nicholas Carr means that "knowledge work" is harder then just looking up the answer.

 9. Do you agree or disagree that Google has been successful in its mission "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful?"
  I believe Google has been successful in its mission. It is a great source that many people use and it has helped to organize universal information.

 10. How does Google's mission compare with a library's mission in light of the fact that there is no fiction or nonfiction section on the Internet, but there is a fiction and a nonfiction section in a library, and that all the books are organized on the shelves in a library, but "scattered on the floor" of the Internet?
   Google's mission compared to the library's mission is to give out all of the information and you have to determine if something is fiction or non fiction. Rather then at the Library where they tell you.

 11. Do you think it would be a good thing if your own brain and intelligence were "supplemented, or even replaced, by an artificial intelligence?"
    It would not be a good thing if our own brains were supplemented or replaced because that would restrict our intelligence and make it that we couldn't have our own thoughts.

 12. Do you think that the human brain is "just an outdated computer that needs a faster processor and a bigger hard drive?" Why or why not?
    I do not believe that a human brain is outdated compared to a computer because the brain has to hold different information compared to the internet. The internet is useful but should not control us.

 13. What do you think about your own surfing habits, the links you click on and the pages you view, being an opportunity for "Google and other companies to collect information about you and to feed you advertisements?"
    I find it helpful when surfing the internet and it tracking my habits, because then the ads I have or view are relevant to me and my likes.

 14. How does the above compare to reading a book? Do you agree or disagree that companies online, collecting data about us by what we click on and view, are using subversive tactics to discourage "leisurely reading," and "slow, concentrated thought?" Are you yourself driven to distraction while on the Web? How or how not?
     I agree that companies use online data to pursue ways to get more clients or get feed back on things. I myself em driven to be online and have distractions to other things.

 15. Do you agree with Socrates that the development of writing led to people using the written word as a substitute for the knowledge they carried around in their heads? Why or why not?
     I agree with Socrates I believe that the knowledge carried around in our heads is substitute for other information we have learned in the past.

 16. Do you think the Internet is doing the same thing? Why or why not? How or how not?
     The internet is tracking peoples likes and dislikes and turning them into other things because that's useful to companies who then use the information to sell new things.

 17. How do your own reading habits compare to what Nicholas Carr describes in this article?
    I over time have stepped away from reading and developing better habits which does relate to my online habits in a negative way.

18. So, do you think Google really is making us stupid? Why or why not? How or how not?
     I don't believe that Google is making us stupid. I believe it has useful information that we use and is helpful. Some might take it too far and use it more then they should but its only a helpful resource.

 Extra credit question: If you have seen the movie, 2001: a Space Odyssey, do you agree with Nicholas Carr's interpretation about Hal the computer character in the movie? Explain.