The Internet makes you dumb.
The expectation of fast, easy answers discourages serious research. The convergence of many sites repeating the same (sometimes wrong) information crowds out critical thought. The expectation of engaging, compacted, gamified content keeps information not meeting those criteria hidden from view.
The well funded attention economy works to consume your time with lots of sensational material designed to keep your eyeballs on the ads they sell. The dopamine hits are hard to resist.
Understanding how to do research beyond Google searching and Wikipedia is not well taught. Sources not freely or conveniently available at not sought out, either out of ignorance or laziness.
When presented with the need to doing serious, focused work, the attraction of the bite sized nuggets of goodness from the Internet is too distracting. The temptation to cut and paste is overwhelming.
The Internet is a fantastic tool for students, but one that requires serious training to use effectively as part of a complete curriculum.
The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education can bring numerous benefits, but there are also potential negative impacts on students. Here are five possible negative impacts:
Distraction: ICT devices such as smartphones and computers can be distracting for students, leading to reduced focus and productivity in the classroom.
Health issues: Prolonged use of ICT devices can lead to health issues such as eye strain, musculoskeletal problems, and sedentary behavior if students spend long hours sitting in front of screens.
Social isolation: Excessive use of ICT can lead to social isolation as students may spend more time interacting with screens than with their peers in real-life social settings.
Information overload: The vast amount of information available through ICT can lead to information overload, making it difficult for students to discern credible sources and manage the volume of information they encounter.
Cyberbullying and online safety: ICT opens up avenues for cyberbullying and online safety concerns, as students may encounter harmful content or be targeted by peers or strangers through digital platforms.
It’s important to note that these negative impacts can be mitigated through thoughtful integration of ICT into educational settings and by promoting responsible and balanced use of technology.
