18 of 28

Yes

Write now Article Tools

I think this question is determined by how we define "the mind." Intelligence is one way to do so, and certainly our technical world could improve upon our intelligence as we learn to think more quickly and efficiently. Yet, we could also define the mind by an ability that seems all but been forgotten, that is the ability to reason. Reason does not try and manipulate an object necessarily, and the speed of one's thinking has little to do with reason. To reason is to see things as they are.

Sure we can all type on computers and even on cell phones, but how many people can describe what exactly a computer or a cell phone is; I know I can't. Furthermore, what happened to asking the 'big' questions, questions about how to live a good and noble life. So many people seem to be experts at getting by in life, but why would we want to just coast through our existence. Perhaps we'll have an afterlife, but does that necessarily negate enjoying our real, tangible one. Perhaps I am egotistical, but I'd rather live life as much as I can.

Thus, even if technology improves our intelligence, I doubt it can improve our reasoning. Thanks to our ever-more technical global society, we are bombarded by all these facts on seemingly anything and everything about ourselves and the rest of the world. I believe that we need to close ourselves off to learning everything, take a few things we want to study, and try to discover what they truly are. These is what all academics must do, but anyone could and I think should learn like this. For only then can we know how to shift through all the confusing and contradicting facts out there. Only then can we live our lives more fully and meaningfully.

Learn more about this author, Alex Konar.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Does technology impoverish the mind??
We want to hear your view. Write now!