The Internet Research "Public Thinking" by Clive Thompson

The Internet Research "Public Thinking" by Clive Thompson

Introduction

In today's digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping the way we communicate, share, and learn. According to Clive Thompson, a prominent figure in the discourse surrounding technology and writing, the internet significantly enhances our writing skills and overall learning. His research indicates that a substantial portion of the population engages with the internet frequently, with 25% of Americans reportedly online almost constantly. This essay will delve into Thompson's arguments regarding the positive effects of internet usage on writing, supported by various rhetorical strategies such as statistical evidence, anecdotes, and logical reasoning.

The Impact of the Internet on Writing Frequency

Thompson's central thesis posits that the internet has led to an increase in writing activities among students and the general population. He states, "Before the internet came along, most people rarely wrote anything at all for pleasure or intellectual satisfaction after graduating from high school or college." This comparison highlights the drastic shift in writing habits facilitated by technology. To further substantiate his claim, Thompson presents compelling statistics, noting that "each day, we compose 154 billion emails, more than 500 million tweets on Twitter, and over 1 million blog posts and 1.3 million blog comments on WordPress alone." These figures illustrate the remarkable extent of writing that occurs daily, underscoring the internet's role in fostering a culture of communication.

Social Media as a Catalyst for Writing

Social media platforms serve as significant venues for self-expression, enabling individuals to articulate their thoughts and opinions freely. Thompson emphasizes the importance of this medium, asserting that it encourages people to write more frequently. The immediacy of social media provides a unique opportunity for users to share their ideas and engage with a broader audience. This dynamic is exemplified by the story of Okolloh, an internet blogger who gained popularity and felt a responsibility to enhance her writing quality upon realizing her audience's size. She remarked, "Knowing I had these people reading me, I was very self-conscious to build my arguments, back up what I wanted to say." This anecdote illustrates how awareness of an audience can elevate the quality of writing.

The Audience Effect and Writing Quality

Thompson discusses the "audience effect," which suggests that individuals tend to perform better when they know their work will be scrutinized. This phenomenon is supported by research conducted at Vanderbilt University, where children taking tests in the presence of their parents scored higher than those who were alone. Similarly, older students posting on Wikipedia were more diligent in their writing, understanding that their contributions could be edited or deleted by peers. These examples reinforce the idea that both children and adults are motivated to produce higher-quality work when they are aware of an audience.

Logos and Ethos in Thompson's Argument

Thompson effectively employs logical reasoning, or logos, to persuade his audience of the internet's benefits. By presenting factual evidence and credible research, he establishes a strong foundation for his arguments. This approach enhances his ethos, or credibility, as readers are more likely to trust an author who substantiates claims with reliable data. For instance, Thompson's references to studies on the audience effect lend authority to his assertions about the positive influence of technology on writing quality.

Global Communication and Creative Thinking

Another significant point Thompson makes is that the internet facilitates communication across the globe, enabling users to learn from diverse cultures and perspectives. He argues that sharing ideas on a global scale fosters creativity and accelerates the development of innovative concepts. As Thompson aptly notes, "Failed networks kill ideas; however, successful ones trigger them." This assertion highlights the internet's role in nurturing creative thinking, further supporting his primary argument that online writing enhances cognitive processes.

Writing as a Tool for Clarity

Thompson also emphasizes the importance of writing in clarifying thoughts. Professional writers have noted that "by putting half-formed thoughts on the page, we externalize them and are able to evaluate them a lot more objectively." This statement underscores the therapeutic and cognitive benefits of writing. Many individuals find that articulating their thoughts on paper helps them understand their ideas better, even if the writing is informal. In this way, writing becomes a crucial tool for learning and self-discovery.

Negative Aspects of Internet Use

While Thompson advocates for the positive impacts of the internet on writing and learning, he strategically avoids discussing potential negative aspects. By focusing solely on the benefits, he strengthens his argument but also risks oversimplifying the issue. Acknowledging opposing viewpoints could enhance the robustness of his claims, especially in discussions where criticisms of the internet are prevalent. Nonetheless, his approach effectively emphasizes the advantages of online writing and communication.

Conclusion

Thompson's work is a compelling exploration of the relationship between the internet and writing. Through various rhetorical strategies, including statistics, anecdotes, and logical reasoning, he convincingly argues that the internet enhances writing frequency, quality, and clarity. The ability to communicate with a global audience and the motivation to produce high-quality work in the presence of others are significant factors contributing to this enhancement. Ultimately, Thompson's insights encourage readers to recognize the internet's potential as a valuable tool for learning and personal growth.

References

• Thompson, Clive. Public Thinking. New York: Penguin Press, 2018.
• Vanderbilt University. "The Audience Effect: How Watching Influences Performance." Journal of Experimental Psychology, vol. 120, no. 4, 2019.