Are iPads, smartphones, and the Mobile Web rewiring the way we think?

The idea that technology usage is rewiring our brains is a provocative thought. I must admit feelings of ambivalence towards the topic. Just when I am ready to take a side, a new piece of information muddys the water for me again. It seems logical that when kids spend a lot of time staring at a screen that their brains are being affected. Really though, it is not just the involvement of a screen, but what are they doing? Are they mindlessly using the computer to watch videos or television shows? Did they use some level of knowledge to find these programs? Part of the argument is that reading online is only skimming. People don't go as deep because they are clicking here and there, taking hyperlinks to new sources. But, wait a minute. What about the skill of being able to find information? Surfing from one site to the next trying to find things takes some structured thinking.
The Internet and computers are being compared to the invention of the printing press. Yes, it's that big. People's habits and behaviors were changed by such a wonderful invention. There was uncertainty at first, (oh no, the masses will be able to read!) In the end though, it turned out pretty good. Change is hard, especially change on this massive of a scale. Yes, we are going to do things differently and our children may even approach things differently. This is a good thing. Progress is important to our quality of life. Sure there will be some bumps in the road, but every time you pick up a printed source remember it is worth it.

Lamb, G. M. (2010, 7/24). Are iPads, smartphones, and the Mobile Web rewiring the way we think?The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved from: http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Tech/2010/0724/Are-iPads-smartphones-and-the-Mobile-Web-rewiring-the-way-we-think.