Ontological implications

31. New Media, Ancient Humans, Old Brains
  • We can't/won't rewire humans overnight.
  • New/Digital media will have to fit the
    ways that we are, now, or only early adopters will stay with it.
Paper and thinking
Libraries, New Media, and Thinking
Libraries fight back

Questions for Study

  1. The readings focus on changes to thinking patterns brought about by digital resources and procedures. List some other changes to essential features of our human nature that are brought about by electric/electronic/digital communication technologies.
  2. Alvin Toffler proposed, in Future Shock, that humans may well "implode" (have breakdowns) due to the sensory overloads present in our new culture. Compare this to Gurak's claims about "edgy"-ness encouraged by speed, reach, and other digital features. What's ahead? Are we near breakdown based on overload?

 

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Dertrouzos, What will be