The Internet and Our Cognitive Dilemma: The Path to Servitude?

Ever since the invention of the World Wide Web, the thinking has been that the internet would enhance our intelligence and provide access to an almost limitless pool of knowledge. However, a closer look at the state of the digital realm may lead one to question if the internet was indeed meant to improve our intellect. It seems more likely that it was designed to have the opposite effect. In fact, a considerable portion of the online community appears more intellectually lethargic than ever. This essay will dive into the reasons behind this phenomenon, focusing on the issues of curation and accreditation.

Are We Smarter or Dumber?

As one delves deeper into the internet, the dichotomy becomes more apparent: the internet has not made us smarter, but rather, it has fueled cognitive decay. The reasons for this can be pinpointed to two key issues: curation and accreditation.

Curation and Knowledge Growth

The process of becoming smarter is not a passive one; it requires a structured journey from beginner through intermediate phases to eventually reach expertise. Curation is the systematic organization of information in a way that helps an individual to progress through various levels of knowledge. While some online platforms such as Khan Academy and Brilliant exemplify this well, the majority of the internet feels like a trap for courses that offer minimal insights. These courses are designed to attract users with the promise of instant knowledge, but often deliver little substance.

Accreditation: The Gateway to Respectability

It is not just the quantity of information that matters, but also the quality and the credibility of the source from which this knowledge is derived. This is where accreditation plays a critical role. While platforms like Khan Academy and MIT’s online courses may provide knowledge equivalent to that derived from attending these institutions, there is no substitute for the paper that business and society respect. The college degree is still the ultimate credential that most businesses respect, and its cost continues to rise year after year.

The elite institutions leverage their power to maintain control over this accreditation process. We could have a state-recognized free academy that offers as much value as any college, but society has chosen to perpetuate the capitalist model that encourages ever-increasing debt to these institutions.

Modern Tech and Its Purpose

The internet, in its current form, seems to be primarily financed and promoted by the lowest common denominator of its most base uses. Many sites may have massive traffic, but if these are not the ones driving the cognitive decay, they are likely perpetuating it. It is fascinating how our core technologies are increasingly shaped by the shallowest forms of engagement.

Information Overload and Brain Fog

One of the most egregious issues with the internet is indeed information overload. The sheer volume of data available online can be overwhelming, leading to confusion, misinformation, and a general difficulty in discerning credible sources. Despite the plethora of information, this overload often does not enhance our cognitive abilities but rather diminishes them.

Short Attention Spans and Shallow Interactions

The internet promotes quick consumption of information, often in bite-sized formats, such as social media posts and videos. This has led to a society with shorter attention spans and less capacity for deep thinking and critical analysis. People are less likely to engage with complex ideas and more inclined to consume content that is sensational and easily digestible.

Echo Chambers and the Limits of Critical Thinking

Online platforms create echo chambers where individuals are exposed to only information that reinforces their existing beliefs. This can limit critical thinking and make it harder for people to consider diverse perspectives. The result is a homogeneous viewpoint that lacks the depth and breadth of a more well-rounded discussion.

Goodbye, Responsible Journalism

Misinformation and disinformation are rampant on the internet. The spread of false information can lead to misunderstandings and a distorted view of reality. It is disconcerting to see how many individuals struggle to differentiate between credible information and fake news.

Memorization vs. Search

The ease of access to information has led some individuals to rely less on memorization and critical thinking. This can result in a shallow understanding of topics, rather than in-depth knowledge. People may frequently rely on search engines for information, which can diminish personal knowledge and analytical skills.

Conclusion: The Road to Servitude

While the internet has the potential to be an incredible tool for education and knowledge enhancement, the overarching issue of curation and accreditation means that it is often used for cognitive decay rather than cognitive growth. It is a question of whether society has chosen to harness the internet's power for smarter knowledge-facilitation or for the opposite. The fact is that the internet is becoming a tool for servitude, where the elite institutions and their power dynamics are perpetually reinforced.

In conclusion, while the internet has the power to make us smarter, it is often reduced to making us dumber. This is a deliberate outcome of the power plays in the digital realm. We must strive to use the internet as a tool for critical thinking, media literacy, and deeper engagement with content, to truly harness its potential for growth and intelligence.