The Internet can negatively alter thinking, making it more difficult to focus on particular subjects for a prolonged time.
Logos
In recent studies, neuroscientists discovered that the adult brain is highly malleable. An excessive Internet browsing causes the “neuroplasticity” effect that strengthens brain’s capacity to multitask and consume information in short bits (PBS NewsHour 00:02:40-00:03:02). At the same time, the parts of the brain involved in attentiveness remain dormant and deteriorate.
Ethos
I can confirm from personal experience that the Internet has affected the way I process information. I did not use the Internet frequently in my early teenage years and could concentrate on studying for hours. The increasing use of the Internet hindered my ability to focus on a particular task. Now I tend to become bored and distracted relatively quickly as if my mind is jumping between the links.
Pathos
The Internet can cause utter destruction to one’s mind and life. For example, a teenager may lose the ability to focus on anything more serious than YouTube, WhatsApp, and pornography and drop out of school (Hari). Therefore, the potentially harmful influence of the Internet should not be underestimated.
Works Cited
Hari, Johann. “Your attention didn’t collapse. It was stolen.” The Guardian, Web.
“Nicholas Carr’s ‘The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains’.” YouTube, uploaded by PBS NewsHour, Web.