This article presents a debate on whether the Internet limits creativity, discussing both arguments in favour and against the idea.
Some people are of the notion that the internet curbs creativity in students; however, others argue that it boosts creativity.
Internet Curbs Creativity | Points For
- Over-Reliance on Ready-Made Answers.
Students are unable to think critically.
They forget to realize the value of reading and writing to create a meaningful document. They are not able to generate ideas on their own.
AI helps them to generate tailor-made assignments.
They depend on technology and the Internet to do their homework. This hampers their cognitive development. They are not able to think analytically, logically, and critically.
The auto-correct feature fixes mistakes easily if they write something wrong.
2. . Reduced Imagination.
Children are exposed to visual content every day.
Breezing on the Internet bombards the brain in a way that minimizes smooth flowing or acquisition of knowledge for long-term storage.
It reduces the brain’s capacity to retain and imagine.
It lessens children’s capacity to think deeply and creatively. They are less likely to generate ideas on their own.
It reduces the speed of memorization. It even lessens their brain ability to build a stable knowledge structure.
Therefore, their creative and communication skills cannot be developed.
Reading habits are vanishing fast in thin air.
Students spend hours browsing the net, playing games on their handsets, and writing non-stop messages on WhatsApp.
3. Shortened Attention Span.
When children surf the Internet, there are frequent shifts in attention as information flashes across a screen with diminished assimilation.
The Internet delivers a kind of sensory and cognitive stimuli which is repetitive, intensive, interactive as well as addictive.
This results in strong alterations in brain circuits and function.
The Internet is a massive data source that has changed children’s motivation to retain knowledge. It deprives the benefits of retaining information for long.
4. Plagiarism and Lack of Originality.
Students copy from the Internet which doesn’t lead to innovation.
This leads to imitation.
They end up copying and submitting other person’s work as their own which is equivalent to intellectual theft.
Students may get access to misleading or non-factual information on the internet.
They just end up replicating online data rather than innovating. The assignments they do become unoriginal, which feels borrowed. Students’ involvement is missing in such a case.
5. Distraction and Superficial Learning.
Social media platforms have become a source of distraction where children spend hours surfing the reels and short videos.
Students’ attention breaks easily, hence their attention span becomes really short.
Their thinking lacks depth due to distraction.
They become comfortable skimming rather than comprehending the content to fully understand it.
Their brain gets overwhelmed due to too much information from all sources, leading to superficial learning.
Internet Boosts Creativity | Points Against
- Access to Diverse Ideas.
The Internet has an immense reach to address educational needs efficiently.
Learning has become more fun and effective. The Internet helps students get the most current information.
It widens their horizon as they can explore global cultures and art. They learn the art of maintaining online etiquettes.
Students get a chance to interact and study with people from other countries enriching their ideas by giving them a fresh perspective.
2. Creative Tools and Platforms.
AI tools can produce content at the drop of a prompt.
Our innate human abilities of thinking, creating, and reasoning seem to be now surpassed by AI.
Free software and design apps help students to create beyond traditional limits.
They can create informative assignments and projects with the help of such tools. For example, Canva, Scratch, Notion, Mind Meister, Adobe Express, etc.
Such tools give them personalized learning experiences. They give them instant feedback and check their grammar.
3. Collaboration Opportunities.
Online communities allow brainstorming, idea exchange, and co-creation with peers worldwide.
Learning is not restricted to geographical barriers as students connect with peers from different cultural backgrounds.
For instance, video conferencing platforms like Zoom are a priceless tool for remote learning.
Students can interact and ask questions, which fosters a sense of community in them. They get a deeper understanding of global issues by connecting globally.
4. Exposure to Mentors and Experts.
The Internet has facilitated learning through blogs, podcasts, and tutorials. Students can connect with mentors beyond local boundaries.
This aids them to pursue new paths with confidence. Platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, webinars, and podcasts give access to expert knowledge from worldwide.
For example if a student is looking to study abroad then having a profile on LinkedIn will help him a long way.
Furthermore, they can connect with professors and professionals in their field. It will help them to highlight their skills and education on such , It will help them to highlight their skills and education on such platforms.
5. New Forms of Expression.
The Internet has changed the lives of students and provided A synergy to them.
They can express themselves in myriad forms like blogging, Vlogging, graphic designing, coding, and music production software.
Students can write on platforms like Medium and earn money.
They can use their skills of storytelling and design to create blogs.
You don’t have to spend money on expensive materials to create art. They can utilize their potential and talent to the core.
Thus, they can master the art of self-expression through the Internet.