QDW #2: Ecology of the Mind

Mary Biviens

WIFYS

Dr. Shannon Mortimore- Smith

2/19/2015

Ecology of the Mind

            In the article Ecology of the Mind, the author Kalle Lasn states “In the last couple generations, we have largely abandoned the natural world, immersing ourselves in virtual realms”. I assumed what the author is trying to say is that we do not embrace the world how we should. Instead we are blinded by the walls of everlasting technology. Our obsession with technology has obstructed our ability to engage in the natural world because using it effects our brains to the new material that keeps continuing.

            I agree with Lasn’s argument because I see this every day. I, myself is even involved. I feel the need to go for a run while playing music, studying while watching TV. and surfing the media if I am with family and friends. My example speaks for mostly everyone in this generation. It is like we do not recognize silence anymore. We’ve basically gained to depend on it.

“Other’s say that heavy internet use leads to addictions and depression and that the digital revolution may be rewiring our brains in unhealthy ways”. The advantage American child between the ages of 8-18 spends about seven and a half hours a day using some sort of electronic device. We are too busy having fun with technology that we don’t decide to randomly pick up a book and read something that could be interesting or healthy for our brains. Humanity is slowing but surely shifting and we are suffering from the uncontrollable epidemic of our new nature.

The way I see it technology was an opportunity rather than a curse that I have never began to realize until now. The development through technology became better and tempting to have. It causes people to want and want, that is what we are used to now. Wanting the will to be aware and joined into the media. This creates stress if not being involved but it also creates stress if you still happened to be. The breakdown of community, the insecurity of social roles, the stresses of modernity and globalization are all the main causes of how you may gain addictions or depressions.

The last quote of Ecology of the Mind that I decide to discuss about is “In a cleaner, quieter mental environment, we may find our mood calming and depression lifting”. Before technology was a general aspect in life, there were less arguments, divorces, and etc.. The less we become involved in technology the less we create more problems for ourselves. Technology has a way to control our minds and leaves us lost to think for ourselves. If we just leave it alone for a moment we are able to think bolder and wiser.

I think this quote relates to me because when I am trying to do work or an assignment, it is hard for me to discuss deeper thoughts because I am more focused on finishing my work just to watch Netflix. The distractions leaves my mind unclear. Quieter mental environment basically means that you shouldn’t have any thoughts but important or meaningful ones. Something that could help you improve on yourself rather than harming your brain by something you think is not harmful to it.

If Lasn and Bauerlein were both in a room discussing about this topic, I believe the main point they would talk about among this discussion would be that they both feel that technology has controlled our generation. That it will be a never ending cycle unless we find ways to not engage in the media or net all the time. Lasn might disagree that we’ve become dumb rather just rewired in our brains. If we develop to try into further knowledge and development, we could be smarter than we think in preparing for the near future.