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  • The Shallows

  • What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains
  • Written by: Nicholas Carr
  • Narrated by: Richard Powers
  • Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (52 ratings)

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The Shallows

Written by: Nicholas Carr
Narrated by: Richard Powers
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Publisher's Summary

The best-selling author of The Big Switch returns with an explosive look at technology’s effect on the mind.

“Is Google making us stupid?” When Nicholas Carr posed that question in an Atlantic Monthly cover story, he tapped into a well of anxiety about how the internet is changing us. He also crystallized one of the most important debates of our time: As we enjoy the internet’s bounties, are we sacrificing our ability to read and think deeply?

Now, Carr expands his argument into the most compelling exploration yet published of the internet’s intellectual and cultural consequences. Weaving insights from philosophy, neuroscience, and history into a rich narrative, The Shallows explains how the internet is rerouting our neural pathways, replacing the subtle mind of the book reader with the distracted mind of the screen watcher. A gripping story of human transformation played out against a backdrop of technological upheaval, The Shallows will forever alter the way we think about media and our minds.

©2010 Nicholas Carr (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What the critics say

“Neuroscience and technology buffs, librarians, and Internet users will find this truly compelling.” ( Library Journal)

“Cogent, urgent, and well worth reading.” (Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about The Shallows

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Didn't need to be a book

I just wanted to know what the Internet is doing to our brains. Invariably, however, you are subjected to the entire history of language and the printing press, as if you haven't read any pop science non-fiction before.

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Dated!

In this book written in 2009, the author defends the thesis that the Internet is literally changing the manner humans think. Specifically, he believes that concentration has become more difficult and that books are not read from cover to cover as they used to be. Some may find ironic that he writes one to spread his ideas!

His historical discussions are wide ranging and interesting, going back to Greek Antiquity and covering many cultures. The crucial glitch lies in the fact that information technology has developed by leaps and bounds since the book was published. Artificial intelligence was only a distant possibility at the time!

Sadly, the work has thus lost much of its pertinence, save as a period piece.

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In-depth, Unsaid Reality

The Shallows is a brilliant, well-researched book that explains what is happening to the brain. Most of what is said is highly debated by media consumers, but not its producers.

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Amazing boom written over a decade ago.

I have found this book eye opening an absolutely astounding. It is life changing. Every high school student should read this book to learn about brain function, how today's mass online media curates unintelligent zombie mobs of distracted persons, and how to attain good habits to achieve deep mindful thinking and processing.

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A fascinating book

A very well balanced and presented argument that deals not only with how the internet is reshaping our minds, but how, throughout history, different technologies have had a profound impact on our ability to think of, memorize and empathize with the world around us.

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Stellar!

More than a thorough investigation of what all things electronic are doing to our brains and to our social structure, this book is a thought-provoking study of the evolution of human intelligence. The performance is magnificent. Highly recommended.

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  • Ezd
  • 2019-01-07

Everyone Needs to Hear This

although ten years finished, this book is very much needed, for all to re-evaluate their own lives, their connection to the digital and what we have lost for the sake of expedience, efficiency and profit!

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