Thanks, I am now considered dumb

In some ways, it does not surprise me that Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing made the comment that the internet is making us dumber. After all, she did win her Nobel Prize in Literature through old school writing with pen and paper and the brain. But I think she forgot to see that some of her Nobel Prize peers have used the internet or maybe even "invented" it, and utilize technology to spread their message.

I don't think the internet makes us "dumb". Rather it is another channel of communication that can be utilized to gain knowledge about something quickly, rather than having to rely on traditional methods (like going to a library to research something, or having to mail a hand written letter to a friend). The internet won't replace traditional research or communication methods completely. But, it provides an alternative to those methods, and both have to be used to prevent us from becoming "dumb".

When reading the Digital Emperor has no clothes article, it sort of goes back to this argument of who really is the expert and what makes them qualified to be one. Perhaps those in high positions feel threatened that web 2.0 might take them down from their lofty "expert" positions and they have to come down to our "commoner" level. However, a true expert would not have to worry, because their knowledge of the subject matter should be able to show through their accomplishments. In a certain sense, web 2.0 is good because it can distinguish true "experts" from those who just might be faking it with a nice degree from Harvard but not having a deep understanding of the matter.

As for us non-experts, web 2.0 is a good way for us to voice our opinion and understanding of the matter, and for the experts to clarify if they can. It's also a way for non-experts to become experts, and web 2.0 could enable us to find those Good Will Huntings or Finding Forresters that maybe be hidden from the "expert" circles but are just as qualified. Experts should not feel threatened about their expertise if they truly know it, and may even learn something new from a non-expert if they keep their mind open to it.

Look at what web 2.0 (and TV) did for Susan Boyle (see below). Can you imagine the hundreds if not thousands of people that are just as talented in different areas that have yet to be discovered? Let's keep this healthy tension between experts and the rest of us, to make sure we can find true, accurate subject matter.

Susan Boyle Youtube video - sorry the actual video is too large to post on blogspot. Just follow the link