Peggy Orenstein starts off her criticism of social media
with a vivid anecdote of a relaxing summer morning with her daughter. She
states that this precious moment should have and would have been savored to its
full extent if not for Twitter. She describes how she was not "fully
present" because she felt as if a part of her mind was too busy observing the
scene instead of enjoying it. This part of her mind was watching a show when it should have been a part
of the action; it was brainstorming for the best hash tag it should have been living in the moment. After efficiently setting
the stage with this anecdote to appeal to her readers' emotions, Orenstein goes on to
explain how social media such as Twitter has led us all to become actors in the
reality-TV show that life has become.
On the other hand, Steven Pinker praises social media after bringing up a viewpoint seen by its critics only to abruptly shoot it down. He boldly states that not only are the naysayers incorrect in believing that social media is a threat to our intelligence, but that such technology is the only thing that keeps us smart. This thesis is supported with logic. For example, Pinker states a premise that intelligence is gained through deep reflection, thorough research, and rigorous reasoning, all of which is made possible by reading. He then goes on to conclude how new media makes text accessible at the touch our fingertips and so it might as well also be giving us easy access to intelligence. With such sound logic, Pinker defends his argument well.
I agree with both Peggy Orenstein and Steven Pinker. Like Orenstein, I believe that social media can be a distraction. This is because I always get annoyed when I am socializing with my friends only to have that moment ruined by a suggestion to take photos for Facebook. Instead of relishing in the experience and coming up with new ideas to make it better, I would be forced to pose awkwardly in front of a camera. However, like Pinker, I believe that social media and other new technology is vital for keeping people smart. After all, if not for the internet I would practically have no knowledge and thus no intelligence because I am too lazy to carry heavy textbooks around as opposed to punching letters in the Google search bar on my pocket-sized phone. Since it is statistically proven by the Pew Research Center that many Americans , if not most, are lazy and obese, then there must be many other people that would have little knowledge and intelligence if not for new media. Although an excess of technology can be a burden on our lives, we cannot disregard its advantages.
On the other hand, Steven Pinker praises social media after bringing up a viewpoint seen by its critics only to abruptly shoot it down. He boldly states that not only are the naysayers incorrect in believing that social media is a threat to our intelligence, but that such technology is the only thing that keeps us smart. This thesis is supported with logic. For example, Pinker states a premise that intelligence is gained through deep reflection, thorough research, and rigorous reasoning, all of which is made possible by reading. He then goes on to conclude how new media makes text accessible at the touch our fingertips and so it might as well also be giving us easy access to intelligence. With such sound logic, Pinker defends his argument well.
I agree with both Peggy Orenstein and Steven Pinker. Like Orenstein, I believe that social media can be a distraction. This is because I always get annoyed when I am socializing with my friends only to have that moment ruined by a suggestion to take photos for Facebook. Instead of relishing in the experience and coming up with new ideas to make it better, I would be forced to pose awkwardly in front of a camera. However, like Pinker, I believe that social media and other new technology is vital for keeping people smart. After all, if not for the internet I would practically have no knowledge and thus no intelligence because I am too lazy to carry heavy textbooks around as opposed to punching letters in the Google search bar on my pocket-sized phone. Since it is statistically proven by the Pew Research Center that many Americans , if not most, are lazy and obese, then there must be many other people that would have little knowledge and intelligence if not for new media. Although an excess of technology can be a burden on our lives, we cannot disregard its advantages.
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