Rhetorical Analysis of Smarter Than You Think

Rhetorical Analysis of Smarter Than You Think

The advent of computer technology and diversification of its services has led to multiple criticisms on how it has destroyed Millenials and increased dependency on its services. One factor that has been blamed on the internet and computers is continued decline in the reading culture in America. Critics also add that computers and the internet have created a generation of lazy people who spend a lot of time on computer screens than actually living. However, Clive Thompson has a lot of praise for computers since the author believes that computers have enhanced intelligence rather than erode it. In his opinion, Clive Thompson states that cooperation between computers and humans promises more intelligent human beings.

Social media is one of the aspects of computers that Clive Thompson praises as contributing to increased intelligence in human beings. According to this author, social media enhances creativity among its ardent users. He notes that social media facilitates collaboration on a global level that increases an individual’s knowledge horizons. Clive Thompson adds that social media users have more awareness of their surroundings, and beyond because of access to information and engaging in conversations. While what he says is true, it is hard to convince a lot of people the same because the internet, especially social media, is marred with bad publicity. One of the societal ills that are blamed on social media is the increased consumerist culture in America. A lot of people believe that social media has enhanced consumerism and a wrong perception of beauty by proving a platform for braggadocio.

Breaking boundaries is another merit of computers explored by Clive Thompson. The author gives the example of World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, who was defeated in a game of Chess by a computer. According to Clive Thompson, such is an indication that computers to do not encourage laziness instead provide challenges that individuals can use to further their skills. Artificial intelligence has created a lot of milestones in the world with a lot of problems, including complex healthcare issues, finally being solved. It is hard not to agree with this author because a world-class champion such as Garry Kasparov probably assumed that they had reached the best anyone could. With the new record set by a computer, the celebrated Chess player would definitely be encouraged and challenged to do better. For them to beat the new record, they would need to utilize their brain more, and that leads to cognitive growth.

The storage of memories is another aspect of how computers make us smarter that Clive Thompson explores. The author insists that not having to store all memories in your mind is another benefit bestowed to use by the discovery of computers. While someone might think this is practically what makes human beings lazy, the author notes that it frees up the mind for other activities. He gives the example of the task of having to remember a list of phone numbers as one of the essential tasks that should be delegated to a computer without worrying about any impacts on the human brain. He notes that he does not find it necessary for a person to use their mind to remember everything. It is hard not to agree with the author on this element.

Furthermore, computers can store memories better and keep them in their original form compared to the human mind. Memories get stretched and distorted with time, making collaboration with computers necessary for accurate memory preservation.

Contrary to the popular opinion that social media and the internet alienates people and reduces the rate at which people engage in intellectual stimulation, Clive Thompson insists that it enforces the two activities. Social networks experience an increase in users every year. They are social networks because people interact, have conversations and share information meant to stimulate public discussions. Through such platforms, Clive Thompson notes that the culture of reading and writing has increased. The sentiments are very accurate. Since people do not have to go through the gruelling process of writing a long novel, get it published and then embark on marketing, they write more. Social networks offer a ready audience and a diverse set of opinions that enhance a person’s knowledge base. Interactions on the various networks are also on different levels, such as professional and friendly interactions. So in agreement with Thompson’s sentiments, social networks do not alienate people or erode the reading culture.

In conclusion, Clive Thompson insists that human being’s intellectual growth is tied to computers and vice versa. For machines to also produce high-quality results, human input is a necessity. He notes that intelligence amplification, which is the result of human cognition and computer logic that results in high-quality outcomes. The author concludes that fear should not drive humans in their exploits for further technological advancements. Computers enhance reasoning in decision making and should be utilized more. The same high-quality outcomes can eventually become basic in human beings.