The Pew Internet and [...]]]> There have been theories in the past that the Internet has started to dumb people down – even The Atlantic’s Nicholas Carr wrote that the Internet “is chipping away [his] capacity for concentration and contemplation.” However, the latest Pew Research Center study, which I came across thanks to Mediabistro, begs to differ.

The Pew Internet and American Life Project surveyed 895 “prominent scientists, business leaders, consultants, writers and technology developers.” Janna Anderson, the study’s co-author and Imagining the Internet Center Director, summed up the results:

* “3 out of 4 experts said our use of the Internet enhances and augments human intelligence”
* “2/3 said use of the Internet has improved reading, writing and rendering of knowledge”

While I’m not a stranger to lacking “concentration and contemplation” at times – as Nicholas Carr argues – I agree with the study that the Internet has certainly advanced people’s capacity.

Do you agree? Has the Internet enhanced you as a person? Leave a comment and share your thoughts here!