Are people better Informed in the Information Society?

As I read Issue 18, Are people better informed in the information Society, I noted that there were two strong arguments. This first argument, Linda Jackson took place as yes people are better informed by the usage of internet. The second argument took place as a no by Mark Bauerlein where he argued that we aren't getting a smart, were just getting dumber. Many people would like to believe that the more technology that we invent or have, that the better quality of life we will receive. To us the internet helps and shows us the potential to enhance our academic achievements in life. Because we have the inter, it is a source which helps us people use a source of communication to capture and learn something.

The first argument, by Linda Jackson truly believes the more we use the internet, the smarter we will get. This makes sense, because the more we read, and the more we are exposed to words, the more you can learn. That is no lie. Studies show that over 500 people found positive effects on computer applications. In the Educational Testing Service, they found that there were a higher performance by the grades of forth and eight graders. This takes place because computers all provide cognitive, visual, and intelligence skills. This skills are strongly for science and math, because they have the best applications. There were several projects which looked for the frequency of usage and nature, what they actually do on the internet such as e-mails. But back in 1995, there were studies that showed that 95% users of the internet were men. But when the year 2002 came, women took over by more then half. This is because women were attracted to the way of communications as a tool. Homenettoo was a studies where they took 140 children from low income homes who never had a computer at home, and watched them. They then provided the children with computers and took notes on them for 16 months, and noticed a dramatic change. Their GPA's raised quite a bit. Jackson believes that as technology evolves, it may be better able to accommodate cultural influences on communication and other preferences.

On the other hand, Mark Bauerlein completely disagrees. He believes that kids are getting dumber and dumber, and getting to attached to the internet. Studies show that 90% students spend five or less hours on homework in 2006, and 55% spend 1 hour or less. This shows that more and more students aren't really worried about their homework and future. I would say i agree with him on this note, but it truly has to do with what background they come from, and how their parents care. It is to be said that 56% adults in the US think parents place to little pressure on their kids, and 15% say to much pressure. It all narrows down to how the parent copes with the rules on homework and TV; because 31% students said they admit they watch tv and play video games before homework, while another 25% just surf the internet. But the argument is, if they surf the net, are they learning something since they are reading information and facts? People need to start caring a little more about their history and religions, to get things straight. The democracy and tradition only happens in the classrooms.

Even though people may agree or disagree on the topic of internet being useful or not, technology will never stop. People will never stop trying to better then they already are. The better the technology, the better and more you'll gain from it. New technology has yet to challenge to US. We look back at the past and see how much we have improved, and yet we look into the future to see what we can improve on. This all depends on the different generations.