Lauren 16 - The Impact of Modern Technology on Memory
As I clicked the button to begin the FRQ portion of the AP English Language and Composition exam this morning, I was preparing for the worst. I thought to myself, What if they make us write about the extent to which beekeeping has impacted the global economy? Will they give us a dull RA prompt? What will I do? But as I clicked through the questions, I felt myself breathe a sigh of relief. It’s not that bad, I told myself.
Fast forward to two hours and fifteen minutes later and the test indeed wasn’t as disastrous as I thought it would be. I felt that all the questions (other than the argument prompt...) were very much doable and similar to what we had practiced in class.
One of the more notable memories I have of taking the test was skimming through the various articles for the synthesis prompt, which was about the value of GPS services and mapping technology in facilitating daily life, and finding a very interesting perspective on the issue. While looking through the different sources, one in particular stood out to me. It was Source D, in which the author spoke about navigation software's harmful consequences on human memory and spatial intelligence. This information would come to be a crucial aspect of my argument for my synthesis essay but it also got me thinking about the consequences that modern technology has had on memory.
In my essay, I argued that GPS devices are not beneficial to the overall wellbeing of society since they have led to the deterioration of spatial intelligence, a fundamental and innate skill that helps to characterize one as ‘human.’ In my paragraph, I raised the question “If such navigation software is leading to the regression of human intelligence and memory, does it truly serve to benefit humanity and promote efficiency?”
As I left the testing center and headed to my fourth-period class, this question remained unanswered even in my own mind. As I thought more about it, I realized that this question extended far beyond just the scope of navigation software but modern technology as a whole. While many of these technologies were initially created to facilitate our jobs, is it really making our lives easier or have such inventions only complicated the world?
While the AP test has officially ended and our time in AP English is coming to a close, I implore you to also consider the implications of modern technology on human intelligence and efficiency.
Hey Lauren! For starters, I found the image you attached to this blog quite humorous. Your blog reminded me about the AP exam, and I also argued for the same stance that you argued for. My experience with source D was similar to your experience because I also began wondering how technology that we quite frankly take for granted in everyday society in the modern world can actually affect us negatively. We already know that devices such as phones and TVs can be harmful, but I had never considered how something as simple and seemingly helpful as a GPS system can be so negatively impactful to us. I like how you asked us to consider the effects of everyday devices on our own health. I enjoyed this blog, Lauren!
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ReplyDeleteHey Lauren! I would like to start by saying that your blog is incredibly relatable. Before the AP Lang test, I was having similar doubts about what could show up. In my opinion, AP Lang probably has the greatest amount of unpredictability; technically the argument prompt can be about anything! Sadly, similar to you, the argument definitely did end up being something I struggled with. Coming up with specific evidence for such a theoretical argument was one of the worst parts about it. Yet, I too felt that the practice we did in class had us prepared enough. Unlike you, however, I argued that GPS devices are beneficial toward society. I feel like in the end it came to what the writer valued more; a safe environment or a reduction in memory and spatial intelligence. Also, the image you attached really was quite humorous and I could definitely see myself doing that!
Hi Lauren! Your blog post actually spoke to me about something I have been struggling with lately. Is technology making us less skilled and intelligent? We all know chatgpt and definitely do not use it for any sort of academic work, but, I use chatgpt a lot for my coding projects. Recently, I have been working on a project for an expo, and I found myself using chatgpt so much that I couldn't even read my own code. This is made me worry that if I keep relying on chatgpt, I won't have any skills of my own. Beyond this, there was also the imposter syndrome like feeling that comes with using chatgpt, making yourself wonder whether you really deserve the praise or recognition for any projects done using it. Overall, this was a really interesting blog post and I look forward to your next one.
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