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Standing Athwart E-History

Submitted by id hamilton, Feb 18, 2008 23:20

This book sounds like something we need much more of ie: critical examination of a modern phenomenon that is too readily accepted as an advancement in society when, in actual fact, the internet and its often suspect information has the potential to destroy any semblance of credible information gathering. In schools we see students being directed eagerly to the internet for research with very little thought put into training them to be critical readers and thinkers. The internet news services with their "sound bite" style of reporting and their brief video clips also can also contribute to misinformation and half truths. Siegel hits the nail on the head when he argues that we must be able to differentiate between information and knowledge. They are certainly not the same thing. He also makes an excellent point when he discusses the importance of training and education as opposed to the often mindless blogging we see on the internet today. Once upon a time, it took more than the ability to turn on a computer to be listened to as a serious critic or commentator. Yes, the internet has some potential to advance society. Unfortunately, it also has the dangerous ability to "dumb us down" as a society and as free thinkers with open minds.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
When I read that, the following recent article came to mind: - Has the unbridled spread of commercialism and technology transformed... [MORE]	C. Ikehara	Mar 4, 2008 21:57
Is there a more worn-out phrase? Perhaps "X is a necessary book" might be. After the first couple of paragraphs,... [MORE]	Dan Mayes	Feb 23, 2008 03:26
1. "The fault I find with our journalism is that it forces us to take an interest in some fresh... [MORE]	Mike Boehm	Feb 21, 2008 04:14
Similar thoughts abounded with the advent of the printing press and the Gutenberg bible. I wonder if Mr. Siegel drafted... [MORE]	Michael Makowsky	Feb 20, 2008 14:15
Thanks for a thoughtful review. Over 20 years ago Neil Postman also raised questions over the impact of mass media... [MORE]	Chuck Lanigan	Feb 19, 2008 16:46
Thanks, Chuck Lanigan, for the reminder, I used to teach Postman's book (AMUSING...) and found students would feel attacked personally... [MORE]	George T.Karnezis	Mar 4, 2008 14:45
The internet is no obstruction to democracy as it is a mirror to what democracy is essentially or at bottom:... [MORE]	SL	Feb 19, 2008 11:45
An exceedingly large amount of bloggers are people who WERE trained as journalists. They blog rather than write for a... [MORE]	Kristen O	Feb 19, 2008 01:45
It's unfortunate that Wikipedia gets picked on so much - it's a paradise of truth and light, compared to most... [MORE]	Paul Perry	Feb 18, 2008 23:52
i relish the fact that i'm reading this anti-technology review on a laptop in bed in between refreshing my facebook... [MORE]	massrepublican	Feb 18, 2008 23:44
This book sounds like something we need much more of ie: critical examination of a modern phenomenon that is too...	id hamilton	Feb 18, 2008 23:20
Oh please. Lee Siegel goes to a baseball game and is dismayed to note that some people near his seat... [MORE]	Ellis Weiner	Feb 18, 2008 20:47
The advice to those who overeat should be the same to those who spend inordinate time on the Internet: .... [MORE]	Harvee	Feb 18, 2008 14:53
Ms. Rosen tells us that Siegel makes three points: the Internet, under the guise of promoting democracy, actually leads to... [MORE]	Stephen Kennamer	Feb 18, 2008 13:38
A few more minusses 1)The Internet has enabled easier Terrorist connection and action 2) Hate- groups thrive on the Internet. And they... [MORE]	Shalom Freedman	Feb 18, 2008 02:42

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Standing Athwart E-History