Rewired

It's good to see Alan and everyone else is having fun at SXSW. Back in Broadsight Towers we continue with the detailed analysis of trends and careful consideration of complex arguments and try to rise above the superficial and febrile stream of tweets

I noticed that Alan's earlier post is recommending that all the SXSW'ers get off the net and go and talk to each other. I should think so, given how much CO2 they have all emitted to be in close physical proximity! It reminded me of the 'Analysis' podcast from the BBC that I listen to on Friday. This was about the way that the Web is 're-wiring' our brains so we depend on 'fixes' of rapid, bit size info-chunks. I am happy to report that I was able to concentrate on this podcast and give it my total attention for the full 30 minute running time, so clearly I have not been re-wired yet!

The basic argument was that the constant flow of and easy access to, information prevents children from developing the capacity to recognise and evaluate structured and authoritative sources, or put together their own complex and structured arguments.

I think that this is an area for concern, but taking a "snapshot" now is misleading as the technology and social structures around it are far from mature. My gut feeling (very reasoned and structured, natch!) is that we will find ways to use address this issue as the web develops.

Anyway, 'Analysis' gives some food for thought and is always worth a listen.