Have We Become too Internet Savvy?

The gap between generations

Published on August 24, 2005 By foreverserenity In Internet

There seems to be a great divide in our technology friendly world. What, you might ask am I talking about now? I’m talking about that chasm that is opening up between my generation (the 30 and over crowd) and Generation “X” and Generation “Now”.

That penchant for our younger folks to just Google anything they want to learn about (and us too). Not too many folks read to obtain information anymore. Mention a word, a phrase or a name it’s off to Googleland to find out any and all information we may need.

While I’m not saying the Internet is bad, not at all! I for one applaud the use of the Internet and what it has done for humankind all over! What worries me is with the “X” and the “Now” generations, when it comes to learning and connecting with the history of any given subject and acquiring and being able to analyze information about a particular subject, they don’t know how to do that.

How do they develop the necessary skills that will teach them how to do research and explore the different methods and ideas on what to do to get the information they need other than going on the Internet? Does anyone remember Microfiche? Or those big ole books called Encyclopedias? Or Microfilm? Or Catalogs?

The other day I gave my son a lesson on how to search for something at the Library. He was shocked to learn that going on the Internet is not the only way to obtain information. The Library has a wide assortment of ways for you to obtain information. They do have computers and Internet access because they have to get with the times, i.e., with what everyone else is doing.

However, before computers there were a Reference section, Catalogs, and Microfiches or Microfilms searches available (although there are no more at least at our branch library). They do have another kind of search too. You can sit at this antiquated computer-looking type machine that has a telephone attached and speak to someone on the other end. You see the person you’re speaking to and they see you!

What I’m trying to get at though is that many students these days are finding the quickest route in doing their assignments. They cut and paste information from the Internet. Never mind that sometimes this may lead to plagiarism but how do they learn about a particular subject if this is all they do? Can they give thorough and accurate information on what they have done? Or correctly list the source of their information without siting a webpage?

What about that thirst for learning and the knowledge gain because of the paper you have to write on any subject that you might be assigned. You become so enrapt by the information that you’ve read about. You analyze and ask questions of your parents, teacher or peers. You learn to develop strategies in putting together a presentation for your teacher and are able to tell the history of what you’re seeking. You learn how to put sentences together to make an essay, to write knowledgeably about a topic. You learn new words, how to spell them and learn what they mean. You learn a lot by using other methods to do your research and not only by using the Internet.

While using the Internet is very helpful and might be a quicker way find what you seek (and there’s nothing wrong with that). However, let’s not forget that there are books out there to be read, information to be analyzed and skills to be learned if we take the time to do it.

Comments (Page 5)

momijiki

on Aug 31, 2005

I called one of my kids' English teachers one time to discuss a concern I had because she showed an R rated version of "Romeo & Julliette" in class. What I got in return was a teacher making excuses about why watching the movie was a legitimate substitute for reading the story.

I hate when they give you excuses and don't give you real answers.

Could you define how this was an excuse rather than an explanation? I'd like to know the basis of this so that next time I am explaining something, the other person doesn't see it as an excuse because they are irritated at me.

starkers

on Aug 31, 2005

i'm sure there were people who found your raccoon coat, goldfish swallowing and 'twenty-three skiddoo' just as deplorable.

Oh dear, it seems I've been mistaken for a hillbilly. Raccoon coat?? Goldfish swallowing??

No, mine's a dingo jacket. Never swallowed a goldfish, though. More of a croc man myself

kingbee

on Aug 31, 2005

I've been mistaken for a hillbilly. Raccoon coat?? Goldfish swallowing??

maybe those horrific fads from the roaring 20s never made it to oz? that would certainly help to explain how and why the planet somehow avoided a dire fate predicted by those who saw them as solid evidence of society's imminent demise some 80 years ago.

i guess i need to be more direct. with very few exceptions, as people get older they forget how they were once members of the generation at the controls of the handbasket to hell. if you're under 70, you may be ahead of the curve in that respect.

foreverserenity

on Aug 31, 2005

Once upon a time we had fictional heroes who stood for honour, justice and doing the right thing.

You had me standing with a salute..........heehee...but seriously, I know.

liked 'day of the locust' dammit

As idiotic as Homer can be at time he's pretty amusing!

i'm sure there were people who found your raccoon coat, goldfish swallowing and 'twenty-three skiddoo' just as deplorable.

Hmm, personally not a racoon coat...maybe a fake beaver one...and I eventually threw it out! Goldfish....hey...I had some has pets at one time!

Could you define how this was an excuse rather than an explanation?

Hmmm let me get back in the moment here....sometimes teachers get evasive instead of giving ligitimate reasons as to why they did something....why didnt' the class read the original book or go see the play as another writer responded....why let them see a movie version that is rated not for viewing by kids of a certain age because of it's context or because the parents might not want them to see it as well and especially given the fact that the teacher knows the movie and the innuendos that might be in it...were the parents notified? And in stating this I don't want everyone to jump at me with "should everything a teacher does at school be told to the parent?" Not as long as it's within the curriculum and is to the benefit of the children I really don't have to know everything. And as long as the teacher can and will use good judgement, no I don't have to know everything they do at school on a daily basis. But in the case of a film what was the intent and why show that particular one? Was there something in that film that would have been very valuable for the kids to learn? Do you see what I'm getting at? While I didn't get the details as to the teacher's response, I've experienced a teachers evasiveness before and that's what I was referring to.

Oh dear, it seems I've been mistaken for a hillbilly. Raccoon coat?? Goldfish swallowing??No, mine's a dingo jacket. Never swallowed a goldfish, though. More of a croc man myself

a croc man....is that a eater of croc or a wearer?!

with very few exceptions, as people get older they forget how they were once members of the generation at the controls of the handbasket to hell.

I guess they do kingbee. And perhaps that's why some of us are trying to make sure the generation that follows doesnt' fall into that! We hope,

! And don't forget the older you get the more you lose some of your marbles...er...memories!

starkers

on Aug 31, 2005

maybe those horrific fads from the roaring 20s never made it to oz?

Actually, I am under 70 and knew nothing of those 'horrific fads'. The fads when I was growing up in the 60's were the Beatles and long hair. Fairly harmless stuff really, but I do recall a few adults cringing at: "She loves you yeah, yeah, yeah.".....and teachers saying: " You boy, get yer hair cut."

However, I do get your point.....selective memories which retain the best while excluding the less desirable elements of many years past. Not all was squeaky clean with my generation. Heck, I remember when drug crazed musicians smashed instuments and threw TV sets out of (10th floor) hotel windows during the 70's. I guess it's not so much that times have changed, more that latter generations are seen to be presented with greater opportunity to go off the rails as technology progresses so rapidly with each passing decade. With so many forms of electronic media right up in our faces these days, modern society is so much more aware of those less desirable elements that older generations hardly ever heard of, and that, I think, is the concern.....life has become more complicated and corruptibility is nurtured electronically

croc man....is that a eater of croc or a wearer?!

A bit of both, actually.... though it's one heck of a stuggle wrestling 'em out of the pond and onto dry land first.

Dan Kaschel

on Sep 08, 2005

As soon as there is an "online library" (which google has already started) where books can be digitally checked out, there will be no need for a standard library anymore. The only improvement that (I think) needs to be made is a screen that is more easily read for the long hours that are sometimes necessary in research (or just pleasure reading).

Dan

foreverserenity

on Sep 12, 2005

As soon as there is an "online library" (which google has already started) where books can be digitally checked out, there will be no need for a standard library anymore.

What about those folks who don't have a computer at home? And believe it or not there are people who don't. Also, they might own a computer but they don't have internet access. Most of these people go to the Library to access the Internet. So I do think the Library will still be around, perhaps just not with so many books. What a thought - a bookless Library!

The only improvement that (I think) needs to be made is a screen that is more easily read for the long hours that are sometimes necessary in research (or just pleasure reading).

I'm sure Microsoft or some other company will invent something. There are already computer screens that protect your eyes from the "glare" of the computer so who knows, perhaps there will be better products in the future.

RiddickRom

on Sep 21, 2005

To respond to the original article, I'd have to say it misses the real advantages the internet gives you, not just for researching text, but for interacting with others on subjects maybe no one in your whole home town knows anything about. I can quickly find forums and to a lesser extent, real-time chats to discuss the most niche subjects that my local library wouldn't even have a single reference to.

While my school days are but a distant memory now, my thirst for learning has continued to grow since owning a wired computer. The way information can be gathered and presented in so many different ways and thereafter focused on in a very profound way, it can make it much more tempting to carry on researching, absorbing whatever it is you're looking into. Whereas you might just have struggled through a few books, gleaned some information you wanted and an awful lot that wasn't relevant using the old fashioned way.

The printed word and any information outside of a database is just not as powerful, the net will assimilate it

Phoneyakk

on Sep 21, 2005

I agree!

I´m a part of the so called "now generation" and I totaly agree with this article. Whats wrong with books?? If you ask me a good book on a serton topic beats the internett any day.

starkers

on Sep 21, 2005

This is so true, the internet provides instant access to a such a wide range of interactives that are just not available elsewhere, particularly for those in smaller communities with limited resources....also for those with resticted mobility.

However, I find it difficult to see that anything outside of a database will be assimilated, given that many households are still computerless, and possibly will remain so for various reasons, financial restrictions being a major one. Furthermore, there are too many well established publishers of printed media, who have also embraced internet technologies, yet still release multitudes of books, magazines, pamphlets and newspapers, etc. It is such big business, probably too big, in fact. The virtual world of the internet is exciting, challenging and also pleasurable, but at the same time, there are many people worldwide who want and need tangible materials....book collectors come to mind there, especially those seeking rare and/or first editions. It is a passion for the genuine article that no virtual medium could ever replace.

I have no doubt that computers and the internet will expand much further into the world of education, work and recreation, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but I still believe it is essential to have practical experience and the basic skills of book based reading, writing and mathematical deduction as a foundation upon which to build ones greater knowledge and understanding of the world and its machinations. I haven't read a book in a couple of years now, not since I discovered the wonder of my computer and the internet, but I was able to read, write and express myself with the written word before pushing the start button, which sadly, many of the 'now generation' are unable to do. I know dozens of school children and teenagers who cannot put pen to paper or even type on a keyboard to properly express themselves with the written word. The emphasis on learning these basics is sadly diminishing: spelling, sentence structure and paragraph building seem to have become a thing of the past....as has non-electronic arithmetic. Comprehension and communication depend on these basic building blocks to work efficiently, so it must be a case of integration, not assimilation, whereby the practical and tangible methods necessary to learning would be replaced by electronic conveniences that could be lost or interrupted by something as simple as a downed phone line or a hard drive crash. The world need not come to a stand-still when modern technology breaks down or ever fails us.

RiddickRom

on Sep 22, 2005

I agree with the point that a new generation is growing up and not aquiring those skills to the same extent but I feel this is just a natural evolution of language and how we interact with technology.

I think a good analogy would be to compare how film was used when it started to become popular. The generation growing up with it would view it as similar to something else, stage plays for instance but there are many more examples I could give. The point is that it takes a few generations to really start to use the new technology for what it can offer, rather than adapting it from what technology went before it.

If you go back far enough, books were once the exclusive property of the wealthy, your average joe had no access to books or any way to be able to make their mark within that new technology. Computers continue to get cheaper and we will hit a point where the majority of the developed world will have access to the internet on a regular basis so I don't really see the cost as being an unsurmountable wall.

We are still very much in that transitional stage with the internet, the old ways are being assimilated though. If you look at the efforts of Google, they are absorbing enormous amounts of information from books and putting that online, fully searchable in ways that were just not previously possible. In general we are still seeing books used as if they were the real paper variety, only on screen and searchable. But that is changing and eventually the way we "read" will be a much more interactive experience, drawing on many sources in different kinds of ways.

While kids today are losing a strict sense of grammar, they are gaining skills that we oldies probably find difficult to grasp too, skills in using this new technology in the ways only future generations can. So ultimately I think the world is safe from being dumbed down, on the contrary, I believe we are becoming smarter because we have unprecedented access to information.

foreverserenity

on Sep 22, 2005

Oh yes Riddick (I love that show with your namesake btw!), I'm aware of the value of the Internet, being able to speak to anyone anywhere is really a very big deal and quite unbelievable that it is being done via such a medium. I'm not knocking that at all, and didn't. The focus of my article was to point out that there are some things that is being lost, something that is not being learned by student, what they're possibly missing out on because of how they might only focus on one way of doing research.

The printed word and any information outside of a database is just not as powerful, the net will assimilate it

Oh, on a very large scale it's already been assimiated alright....and so have all of us who use (computers) it!!

´m a part of the so called "now generation" and I totaly agree with this article.

Thank you Phoneyakk! I'm glad you of the "now generation" got my point!

Whats wrong with books?? If you ask me a good book on a serton topic beats the internett any day.

And how!! There's nothing like curling up with a good book any day!

Good point Starkers!!

However, I find it difficult to see that anything outside of a database will be assimilated, given that many households are still computerless, and possibly will remain so for various reasons, financial restrictions being a major one. Furthermore, there are too many well established publishers of printed media, who have also embraced internet technologies, yet still release multitudes of books, magazines, pamphlets and newspapers, etc. It is such big business, probably too big, in fact. The virtual world of the internet is exciting, challenging and also pleasurable, but at the same time, there are many people worldwide who want and need tangible materials....book collectors come to mind there, especially those seeking rare and/or first editions. It is a passion for the genuine article that no virtual medium could ever replace.

You're so right on target with this comment! Especially the parts I highlighted!! You're getting an insightful from me for this!

I think a good analogy would be to compare how film was used when it started to become popular. The generation growing up with it would view it as similar to something else, stage plays for instance but there are many more examples I could give. The point is that it takes a few generations to really start to use the new technology for what it can offer, rather than adapting it from what technology went before it.

Yes it does take awhile for any generation to make use of the technology that is out there. And it is being made used of a lot. In my view though, the new technology is from what was. When there was the old way of filming, (can't remember the correct name at this typing) they developed the 8mm ones so that the filming could be better; remember the movie industry went from silent and black and white films to voice and color. The new technology was developed from (or because of) the old one. There was the big, super computer in the beginning and they developed better ones, Intel became an innovation. As I write newer, smaller versions are being developed. Even a recent technology has been made better, the Ipod now has the nano version! So, in my view, from old technologies do spawn newer and better versions.

If you go back far enough, books were once the exclusive property of the wealthy, your average joe had no access to books or any way to be able to make their mark within that new technology. Computers continue to get cheaper and we will hit a point where the majority of the developed world will have access to the internet on a regular basis so I don't really see the cost as being an unsurmountable wall.

This is true Riddick, books were once exclusive to the wealthy. I do agree that computers are getting less expensive and almost everyone has access to one. Gosh, even remote villages in the world will have a computer or cellular phones for that matter, so technology is in reach of every one! I do have to disagree with you though, not everyone will be able to afford the use of technology. Cost will always be a factor to those who simply cannot afford it. Even if it's a problem with getting transportation to go to where the technology is, i.e., the Library or a Cafe in the town square.

If you look at the efforts of Google, they are absorbing enormous amounts of information from books and putting that online, fully searchable in ways that were just not previously possible. In general we are still seeing books used as if they were the real paper variety, only on screen and searchable. But that is changing and eventually the way we "read" will be a much more interactive experience, drawing on many sources in different kinds of ways

I agree with you on this.

While kids today are losing a strict sense of grammar,

This is what worries me. Spelling, writing and knowing how to put thoughts together will still be of importance, even on the Internet!

they are gaining skills that we oldies probably find difficult to grasp too, skills in using this new technology in the ways only future generations can. So ultimately I think the world is safe from being dumbed down, on the contrary, I believe we are becoming smarter because we have unprecedented access to inform

True, they are gaining skills, technological skills which are definately an asset for anyone to have and more power to them for this! Those skills are most definately needed in our world today. I want them to have those skills, darn...I want to have those skills too!!! However, as I said before, the other part of the equation, the grammar (and yes, the Internet is of value when it comes to learning new words and their meanings, etc.), the knowledge that cannot be gained from a computer, the nuances that are so necessary, that's what will make for the "dumbing down" of our society.

starkers

on Sep 22, 2005

It may be the evolution of things, but still it is a progression fraught with inadequacies and the endangerment of so many natural senses, instincts and emotions we humans depend on to properly function.....survive, even. Human interaction has always been the most efficient tool to convey emotion....and to lose that, well we become less than human, machine-like even, and that cannot be good for the survival of humanity.

While kids today are losing a strict sense of grammar, they are gaining skills that we oldies probably find difficult to grasp too, skills in using this new technology in the ways only future generations can. So ultimately I think the world is safe from being dumbed down, on the contrary, I believe we are becoming smarter because we have unprecedented access to information.

Perhaps the youth of today have acquired some skills over the older generations in the use of this vast technology, but still they are missing many of life's essences which combine to create experiences only found outside this virtual world known as the internet. An apprentice chef is never going to experience the essential aromas or delicate textures of food by way of a virtual kitchen: nor is an apprentice cabinet maker going to acquire the skills to construct or finely finish an article of fine furniture, and the list goes on....

Agreed, computers and the internet have important roles to play in the development of the modern world, but there are still basic skills that must never be forgotten, lest we become automatons, inhuman and minus those traits which separate us from AI. A baby must be weaned before it eats solids; a tot must crawl before it can walk, and knowing how to read, write and communicate on an interactive level with other human beings is a prerequisite to using computers and the internet. Without that, the human race becomes increasingly desensitised and a danger to itself.

Furthermore, there's no evidence to suggest that computer based learning has improved the dissemination and/or retention of knowledge over that of the traditional classroom based education. In fact, given the easy come, easy go theory, mentality or attitude, it's more likely that the traditional methods of teaching will produce better results than that of electronic convenience teaching.....something like, do the hard yards and you'll appreciate what you have a great deal more and place some value on it.

The advent of film may have changed our view of the world and how we are entertained, but I'm sure glad true thespians never gave up the ghost....otherwise I'd have missed the musical extraveganza of 'Hair', the human atmosphere of the theatre. I'm also glad that vinyl, tapes and CD's never replaced the thrill of a live performance. I have an extensive collection of tapes, records and CD's, but had I relied purely on these, I'd have missed seeing live concerts of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Roy Buchanan and etc, etc.....irreplacable memories and experiences, unlike a lost or stolen Cd or iPod.

Yep, the traditional ways and modern technology can co-exist, and they must for us to remain human....that state of being which distinguishes us from the beasts of burden, the lifeless artificial intelligence we endeavour to create and master.

foreverserenity

on Sep 22, 2005

Yep, the traditional ways and modern technology can co-exist, and they must for us to remain human....that state of being which distinguishes us from the beasts of burden, the lifeless artificial intelligence we endeavour to create and master.

Amen to that!! Your previous comments were also on par!

RiddickRom

on Sep 23, 2005

And how!! There's nothing like curling up with a good book any day!

It wont be too long before they get digital paper down and the idea of curling up with a book you can not only read in the dark, but turn into another book with a few taps of your finger. Want the latest book from Amazon? Just a few second download and you're curling up with it. These kinds of things will probably convert many from traditional paper to digital paper.

This is what worries me. Spelling, writing and knowing how to put thoughts together will still be of importance, even on the Internet!

I'm just focusing on this comment as I think it summarises much of other comments. I do agree something is being lost but perhaps if we take a look at this from another perspective, it will seem less important than comparng it directly to the standard of writing you'd expect to read in books. If I were having this conversation with you face to face, there is a lot I'd probably jumble up and overall the real-time nature of how we were communicating would itself shape the quality of what was being said. If we had time to prepare and write everything before hand, then just read it back aloud, it could be extremely polised and eloquent. So the bottom line here is the nature of the medium, the internet is full of well prepared and almost real-time information.

If I wanted I could run this post through a spell checker but as it is a forum, I can live with the odd typo (I hope it is only the odd one lol) but if this were an email being written to someone in business, I'd absolutely spell check it and give it more time.

Perhaps this doesn't address the whole issue but it's something I feel has a bearing on what were discussing.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!