You can post comments on both articles below.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
"Mind Over Mass Media" and "Outdoors and Out of Reach"
Here is Steven Pinker's op-ed article from The New York Times, "Mind Over Mass Media," and here is the link to Matt Richtel's "Outdoors and Out of Reach." These two articles seem to be written from opposing viewpoints. Which one, in your opinion, builds the strongest case in its discussion of technology and the brain?
You can post comments on both articles below.
You can post comments on both articles below.
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I agree with Matt Richtel's article. Not having access to our technology is a relief on our brains.
ReplyDeleteEvan Capron
DeleteI agree. That's the best part of camping.
DeleteAmber B.
Yeah, that's exactly why i go camping. So i can get away from the world for a little bit and be by myself.
DeleteI completely loved this article! I go backpacking and hiking quite a bit and that feeling of knowing "no one can reach me on my phone" is awesome. I feel like the brain needs that time to refresh because I know I need it mentally. I think Matt Richtel hit this idea right on the head and I totally agree! :)
ReplyDelete-Sydney Medsker
I totally love the outdoors and I agree it is awesome to get away from technology, especially cell phones.
DeleteI get what Steven Pinker is saying in "Mind Over Mass Media," and he has some good points, but "Outdoors and Out of Reach" brought up a point that I have no doubt in. Being outdoors and disconnected from cellphones and concrete walls is the best from of relaxation, and I've noticed that when I'm up in the mountains, I do have deeper thoughts.
ReplyDelete- Amber B.
It really is true how we are so dependent on technology. What did we do before we had our own GPS on our phone? I tried Matt Richtel's theory once. I when river rafting and of course there wasn't cell service. It was a breath of fresh air. No one could get in contact with me and I loved the silence. It gave me time to think and just be with the family instead of a all of our noses in our phones.
ReplyDeleteJason Baldwin
Richtel's article was very interesting. It's so calming not to have electronics beeping at you 24/7. And even though it's been hard getting school work done, I somewhat love not having internet at my place because I can focus other things rather than facebook or youtube. Letting the technology go for just a little while is very enjoyable and relaxing if you can train your brain to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to have an opinion on this because it is determined on who you are. If you are an outdoors type of person you would argue on way, but if you are in need of a source constantly technology is your best friend. Both have strong points and weak points.
ReplyDeleteI think that people can be more productive if they take a nice break from technology. once you come back from being away from it, you usually are more productive with it. Ben Nelson
ReplyDeleteI agree, taking a break from technology is helpful but I think taking a break from almost anything could be helpful as well.
DeleteWhen I pull an all nighter studying for a particular test, I often do worse than when in a similar situation I study and take regular breaks.
-Tanner Adams
It could also be on a much bigger scale. I believe that's why we have summer breaks. Everybody will do much better in the fall afterwords.
Delete-Ben Nelson
I agree with Tanner, trying to study for long periods of time, wears on the brain. I find that when I am tired and not understanding something that I have been studying, it is refreshing, and helpful, to walk away and focus on something else for a minute, just to give my brain a second to rest and recover!
Delete-Kortney T
I agree with Amber. I cannot disagree with the idea that getting away from the fast life and the distractions is therapeutic. As far as the strongest case for technology on the brain, I would have to say Pinkers article was stronger. The real life scenario of Outdoors and Out of Reach could not compare to some of the staggering statistics Pinker sheds light on. Do you really think multitasking is an advantage or disadvantage?
ReplyDeleteTrevor Williams
I love the second article. Today people are on their phones every second they can get but to be able to go outdoors and not have service is such a relief to get your mind off of things.
ReplyDelete-kaitlyn
I had a class this semster about getting in touch with our natural habbit, and how people are unhappy when they are not in it.
ReplyDeleteOmar Cuevas
I love to be outdoors camping with my family, and away from all other distractions. I feel that it strengthens the bond between family, and you are able to REALLY get to know someone.
ReplyDelete-Kortney T.
I find it interesting that in fact no one can technically multi-task, but rather they can switch between two things fast.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is always distracted by something whether it be by squirrels or some random video on the internet?
ReplyDelete-Thomas Sabol
Does anyone think that the constant influx of information is a bad thing?
I agree with the second article and going out to the middle of nowhere to get away from the modern world. After all who doesn't enjoy an escape from the modern world.
ReplyDelete-Thomas Sabol
Where are some good places to escape modern society around here?