Distractions and one's Attention Span
The most over looked question is what is the true definition of one's attention span? David Brooks states in the first sentence of his article Building Attention Span, "if you're like most of us, you're wondering what the Internet is doing to your attention span" (Brooks 1). Most people would say that the Internet is the number one cause of distraction for all social media lovers. This article stood out to me because I relate to this topic and how my cell phone is an interruption for myself causing me to have a short attention span and weaker communication skills. Brooks paints a picture of the hard truth for most cell phone lovers like myself, "you feel those phantom vibrations even when no one is texting you" (Brooks 1).
I would recommend this article to the younger generation, or anybody who uses social media, but mostly the young generation because we are so dependent on technology, and Brooks pin points most important examples. Social media is used as a strong outlet for certain individuals, it can be comforting in a way, and the author describes that very detailed in his second paragraph. Brooks' main points he wrote about to get across was how the Internet is a bust for most people's attention span due to its common disturbance, "this form of social circulation takes the pressure off. I know some people who are relaxed and their best selves only when online" (Brooks 2).
The author's strengths are blatantly obvious and explained thoroughly. Brooks can get the message across easily; he speaks on behalf of both parties. Social media goers and non social media goers, yet he writes about the attention span of both. Brooks uses unique language in his article consisting of "crystallized intelligence" or even "fluid intelligence." Brooks is an intelligent writer, and does a great job of being relatable to the reader.
Matisse, Solid post. I especially appreciate your concise, coherent paragraph structure and your word choice. You also did a fine job choosing evidence from Brooks article to support yourself. If there's anything I would like to know about, it's about your claims in your first paragraph when you say that social media has caused you to have "weaker communication skills." What do you mean by this? How have you seen this specifically? You've got my attention here as a reader. Pull a David Brooks now and give me some concrete details. I might learn from you about communication skills. Bring it.
ReplyDeleteMatisse, I really liked what you said about how your phone makes it harder to be social to the outside word because I can relate to that as well because it is truly hard to have a conversation without look at your phone.
ReplyDeleteI agree what you said about how phones makes it harder to be social to the outside world. Because very day you see people on there phones and not caring about whats around them. This world we live in is slacking communication with each other.
ReplyDeleteI agree with our phones making us have a little attention span and weaker communication skills. Also you made a good point about how phones make it harder to be social with each other in real life.
ReplyDeleteI liked this piece of writing cause it stay`s on topic and runs together smoothly GREAT JOB! Matisse
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