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The Shallows

What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains

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The Shallows

Written by: Nicholas Carr
Narrated by: Richard Powers
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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.
Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Technology Human Brain Computer Science AI & Humanity
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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)

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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.

Didn't need to be a book

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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.

Amazing boom written over a decade ago.

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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.

Stellar!

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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!

Everyone Needs to Hear This

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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.

In-depth, Unsaid Reality

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