Let There Be Google

These media critics always seem to have something negative to say about the effects of television or the Internet. And to me it seems like just a bunch of hot air. Nicholas Carr is no different. He seems to think that his use of the search engine Google has caused him to think and focus differently. Instead of submerging himself into the world of literature he is merely skimming across hyperlinks finding no real substance.

I remember the first time I heard about Google. My dad came up from his office in the basement and told us all about this really awesome new search engine. From there on out I always used Google and never Yahoo! or MSN. Google became my one and only.

It has helped me with many assignments as a student. It helped me expand my knowledge on simple things like vocabulary. Google even helped me become well versed in certain celebrity’s lives. Google revolutionized the Internet experience, honing research into a neat little package for us to pick and choose from.

Carr argues that this plethora of information and the ease of its access is a negative. I would argue its nothing but positive. We used to have to comb through book after book, and encyclopedia after dictionary to acquire information. This is not the case anymore. At the simple click of a button the world is ours. What could be greater than that?

Instead of having to memorize silly facts, we can fill our minds with other things, more important things. Who cares about knowing the state capitol of North Dakota? You can fill that space with knowledge that isn’t as easily attainable through a search engine, like a critical formula used in your profession, or something as simple as Grandma Jo’s famous apple pie recipe.

The possibilities are endless when information is so readily available. I’d say we’ve barely even tapped into the positives that could come from something so revolutionary. And it continues to expand. We can carry the Internet around in our pockets, for goodness sakes! We’re not stupider, we’re more strategic. We’re freeing up our minds, and depending more on artificial intelligence. Some might say that is bad. I say it’s strategic. I say anything that makes our lives easier is better. When our lives have become a sprinting marathon, anything that brings some sort of relief, such as the Internet, such as Google, it is always welcome.