topic Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers. in Community Chat

I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

qualitygal — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:14:29 GMT

We can look everything up, at least I haven't ever not found anything I've looked for yet. We have instant info. Computers so impress me, with all they deliver. I just don't know how you'd ever really measure how much smarter we are because of these.

We are just informed!!! Maybe that's the better way to express it.

How impressed are you with computers?

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

151949 — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:26:13 GMT

The problem is there is a lot of incorrect information out on the internet as well, and how do you know what is correct information & what isn't. Just because something is on the internet does not make it actual true facts.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

ILTH — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:35:52 GMT

Ignorance can be educated; stupid is immutable. Computers don't "make" anyone smarter. Intelligent people seek out the truth.

I don't know how "impressed" I am with computers, but, I'd never want to live without them, again. They enrich my life from my phone (being able to communicate anywhere, any time) to making the world global.

“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” -- George Orwell, 1984

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

Mominohio — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:35:26 GMT

I agree that it is so different today. When we want to know or learn something, the world is at out fingers. It was not so long ago, finding out many things took a lot of work in a library or finding people who were experts in the field to teach us.

There is indeed so much conflicting information out there on just about everything. So many sources that seem to be legit but have some agenda behind them. So it is more important than ever to really have good research skills and understand what is behind every source. Even sites that seem to be based in science have political or social agendas backing their points of view.

Still, I too am amazed that just about anything that comes to mind, I can find information, videos, and others out there to converse with about the same thing.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

CelticCrafter — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:35:17 GMT

It has its good and bad.

There are things I wish I could unsee or unlearn!

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

rustee — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:47:03 GMT

We are swamped with information in this computer age but how much of it is

reliable???

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

pattypeep — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 13:50:04 GMT

@qualitygal The smart part shows when we are able to "filter".

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

Bri21 — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 14:06:28 GMT

I use it as a tool, a jumping off point sometimes.

It's just amazing that we are just a click or two away from any everything!

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

ROMARY — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:27:17 GMT

I think that our memories could be a bit lax because of our extreme dependence on computers. (We subconsciously don't HAVE to memorize anything; it's too easy to just 'click it up'). Children (and adults) don't have to memorize or remember as much now-a-days. Everyone seems to use their GPS for everyday and frequently traveled daily locations. There's probably one portion of our brains that isn't being 'exercised'/used. The memory part. Just guessing, of course.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

Dusty1 — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 14:12:23 GMT

Computers certainly make people THINK that they are smarter. I do love my computer.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

NicksmomESQ — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 14:23:07 GMT

I don't think computers have made us smarter.I think they have made us lazier & less informed!! When I was a kid if I needed to do research for a paper I went to the library.Today young people hop on their computers.The information they can turn up first is what they use & it's not necessarily the best.

People don't need to think anymore because the computer does it for them.There is a lot of misinformation on line.

Yes,I know computers have their advantages.I use them too.I enjoy using email & the internet.The difference is I still read actual newspapers.I still write actual notes & mail them. In order to be well rounded I believe one needs to strike a balance between the two!

It would also be nice if people would spend less time in front of their computers & more time out in the world observing, participating & socializing!!

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

Peaches McPhee — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:01:54 GMT

I am very impressed with computers, the internet particularly. I am 57, so remember how it used to be -- I am sometimes amazed anything got done before we had the internet.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

AngusandBuddhasMom — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:11:02 GMT

@NicksmomESQ wrote:
I don't think computers have made us smarter.I think they have made us lazier & less informed!! When I was a kid if I needed to do research for a paper I went to the library.Today young people hop on their computers.The information they can turn up first is what they use & it's not necessarily the best.
People don't need to think anymore because the computer does it for them.There is a lot of misinformation on line.
Yes,I know computers have their advantages.I use them too.I enjoy using email & the internet.The difference is I still read actual newspapers.I still write actual notes & mail them. In order to be well rounded I believe one needs to strike a balance between the two!
It would also be nice if people would spend less time in front of their computers & more time out in the world observing, participating & socializing!!

I rely on the technology that is now afforded us because the world is always changing. Newspapers are OK at the moment they are printed. But things happen all the time so you are not reading up to date info. The fact that I can work anywhere in the world because of my smart phone is amazing.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

SeaMaiden — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:14:45 GMT

I remember years ago having to go to the library or using a phone book for information. I love now having instant information! Best thing since sliced bread in my book. I feel I am more impowered having instant information to make better purchacing decisions or just personal decisions.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

masque — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:25:10 GMT

@151949 wrote:
The problem is there is a lot of incorrect information out on the internet as well, and how do you know what is correct information & what isn't. Just because something is on the internet does not make it actual true facts.

Hi @151949 I have to believe it is true because I just saw what Ben Franklin posted on Facebook.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

AngusandBuddhasMom — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:50:08 GMT

@151949 wrote:
The problem is there is a lot of incorrect information out on the internet as well, and how do you know what is correct information & what isn't. Just because something is on the internet does not make it actual true facts.

The problem is not the internet it is the people using it. They don't bother to do research and or questions the site they are using or to double check the source and if there are others that back up their supposed facts. The internet just like anything is a good thing if used correctly. But the constant rehashing of false facts is rampant.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

Q4u — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:57:41 GMT

I am and have been impressed/fascinated by computers since they hit the market~! It's the "real-time" aspect that just fascinates me. I do research a ton of information on the computer but research a lot of it for one subject and compare them, know where the info comes from (legit or not) and even then will cross check.... there is a lot of inaccurate/misinformed information that's out there, also a lot of info that is meant to be misleading (for whatever purpose, sales, political, etc.).

So are we smarter? Well, maybe but certainly smarter as to the information out there that is not true, smarter insofar as we are more careful regarding our personal info, hackers and spammers....

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deepwaterdotter — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:03:37 GMT

If I have become more intelligent, it is due to a higher level of curiosity and resourcefulness to seek knowledge and truth from reliable sources.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

Noel7 — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:15:14 GMT

In many cases, the computer is better than a library. There's an academic setting on search sties where we can access science research and journals. Archaeology, math, etc. How many take the time to do that?

Same for most areas of study. The information is available, but many people settle for opinionated blogs and fake news.

Re: I just wonder how much smarter we are because of computers.

Noel7 — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:17:32 GMT

It's not the computer that's a problem, it's what we make of it, and if we've learned HOW to do research and HOW to use critical thinking skills and logic.