Summary

The questions from the Core Handbook asked if style was fixed, how does audience effect style, what is genre, and how does genre effect style.  I think that style can be fixed depending on how the author is trying to get their point across.  The author can adapt their style to the subject matter of what they are writing about, or the target audience they are writing to.  For example, if an author is writing a children's book, they are more likely to write in simple terms and "bland" words, then if they were writing an analysis.  A genre is having some sort of particular way of doing a certain work.  If an author is writing an analysis, they are more likely to have paragraphs separated by spaces, in a 12 point font.  On the other hand, if an author is writing a "how-to" they may section things off by numbering.  There is a certain "norm" for different types of genres.  Genre can effect style by the nature of what is being written.  If someone is writing a biology lab report, it is more likely to be very formal and have scientific terms, as opposed to a blog that would be written more with personal opinion and informal writing.

Chapter 10

            In the chapter 10 of The Shallows talks about the debate if people are happier without technology or not.  He says “after spending time in a quiet rural setting close to nature, people exhibit greater attentiveness, stronger memory, and generally improved cognition.”  This shows that he believes being without technology can mike life overall better.  Carr also mentions that he for a period of time went without technology and he felt better and happier.

            I believe this argument could go both ways, depending on how a particular person uses technology and how important it is in their life.  For example, someone who works on computers for a living, relies on technology to make money and keep a job.  In that case, I believe living without technology would not be a good thing.  Also, in today’s society amongst teenagers, social media, texting, and online communication is a big deal.  Without it, they could be isolated or treated as outcasts amongst their peers.

            People can become isolated with or without technology.  When Carr mentions the fact that people are happier in a rural setting close to nature without technology, he doesn’t mention that it can be isolating.  Living with no technology could lead to being “out of the loop” with things going on in society or even in that specific area.  In contrast, if that is the lifestyle they are accustomed to, it may be the right fit.  No matter how isolated you are, technology and information is available.

            Technology can also be the reason for social isolation.  Just walking around campus, you see almost everyone with a phone or looking at a phone.  People are less interested in talking face to face and more interested in talking online.  Online communication has made it much easier to contact people and have “online relationships” without even having to see them.  This takes away the face-to-face communication to relationships, potentially creating a lack of social skills.

            People may find it easier to go without technology for a short period of time.  As we talked about in class, going to the beach for a week without having technology or phones could be nice.  On the other hand, the thought of going without technology forever or for an extended period of time, did not appeal to many people.  Technology has become such a large part of our lives and has made certain things in life much easier.  For example, the use of email has made it much easier to contact teachers and classmates for assignments and questions.  Also, social media has made it easier to access news and information.

            I think that overall technology has a positive impact on life.  A world with technology would be difficult because of how advanced society is.  I believe that going without technology for a short period of time would not be a bad thing, but personally I would much rather have it.

Opposing Argument Email

To: Nick Morgan
Subject: The Internet is Making us Less Intelligent

Dear Nick Morgan,
         I understand that you do not believe that the internet could make us less intelligent.  The internet and technology is growing at an extremely rapid pace in today's society.  When you use the internet, do you find yourself simply skimming through articles and websites mindlessly?  This is what I believe the internet is doing to us.  Scientific studies show that by using the internet, our brain is being molded and changed to not be used to its full potential.  We tend to just read quick facts or blurbs, and not fully retain information.  When reading a book, you are more likely to fully absorb the information without being distracted by pop-ups or other websites.  As Carr states in his book The Shallows, people were much more likely to click on multiple different websites after entering one website, ending up on a topic not even close to what they were originally reading.  He also says that it can make the part of our brain that interacts and engages become not as useful.  The internet has a way of making us zombie-like, just sitting, clicking, and staring blankly at a screen.  Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best regards,
        Brooke Taylor