Technology and declining intellectualism:

In the wake of increasing social media and digital usage in American culture, one thing has become increasingly prevalent. In addition to the forming of a protective bubble around one’s own ideals and a focus on projecting a seamless, personal image to the world, Americans have developed a distinctive strain of anti-intellectualism.

Endlessly concerned with the consumption of the latest media or gossip, no one can escape the digital’s clutches, myself included. However, to scapegoat technology is foolhardy, and disregarding this notion of a declined focus on intellectual pursuits because of the realities of modern life would be the ultimate act of modern anti-intellectualism.

Now, I know what your response might be. This article is self-serving insomuch as it projects a pristine image of myself residing in an ivory tower. Yet, even students do not escape such a rampant disease.

It is students that perhaps are the most affected by this, as we are placed at the forefront of technology and its applications. In regard to self-servicing—that may to an extent be true.

Regardless of the impact on my image, it is disconcerting to so often see facts disregarded in favor of opinion or feelings towards a topic or policy. Facts should never be outweighed by feelings.

According to the article “The Dumbing of America” from the Washington Post, “Reading has declined not only among the poorly educated, according to a report last year by the National Endowment for the Arts.”

In 1982, 82 percent of college graduates read novels or poems for pleasure; two decades later, only 67 percent did. And more than 40 percent of Americans under 44 did not read a single book—fiction or nonfiction—over the course of a year. The proportion of 17-year-olds who read nothing (unless required to do so for school) more than doubled between 1984 and 2004. This time period, of course, encompasses the rise of personal computers, Web surfing and video games.

I’m not accusing technology of being the singular cause of this, nor am I deeming it an enemy of thought. It is a tool, and we all need to be more cognizant of our usage of it and the mentalities it has cultivated in our country.

As I’ve stated, this anti-intellectualism has affected me in a similar way; I sit here writing this article wishing I was instead off doing something more entertaining.

I understand that this is a difficult problem and that many might accuse me of being a traditionalist afraid of change. While I do understand their side of the argument, technology being the future of all that we do, we must use it responsibly and reasonably; globalization has ensured this as countries enter a new era of interconnectedness.

Our economies, political structures and ways of life are all now based on the digital. We must actively combat new problems and policies created each day. Rekindling intellectualism in ways such as simply reading the news from multiple sources can be the first step to educating ourselves using technology.

Here are a couple of simple solutions to this incredibly complex problem: We can utilize technology to read news, prose, poetry and other written documents. Here, one can stay connected and fulfill the vital task of staying current.

This function of technology is supported by such applications as Amazon Kindle and various websites that share free documents. News sites often are free or a minimal cost as well.

A second option is disconnecting from technology and taking time to discuss ideas with friends, family, coworkers or anyone who you feel comfortable having conversations with. This too can lead to solutions for the problems that we face in modern society.

By no means are these perfect solutions, nor are they exhaustive, but this starts the conversation that we as a country need to have regarding our declining focus on issues that face us.

Modifying our habits can be incredibly difficult, but then personal growth often is. These growing pains are temporary and will lead to a better future.

I’ll leave you with this: Ignoring the issues that we face as a country is not an option should we wish to live in a better America that can be sustainable for years to come. Occasionally, we need to disconnect from social media and read a little bit on topics that serve our individual interests. It’s a small step that can lead to huge outcomes.

Alexander Breth is a fourth-year student majoring in English writings track. He can be reached at AB835895@wcupa.edu.