Debate Topic: The Internet is Making People Less Intelligent
Speaker: Syed Husain Jafri, Class 12, STS High School, AMU
Good morning, respected judges, esteemed teachers, and my dear friends. Today, I stand before
you to argue in favor of the motion that “The Internet is Making People Less Intelligent.” While
the internet undoubtedly serves as an incredible tool for accessing information, its widespread
and often unregulated usage has, in many ways, eroded critical thinking skills, diminished
attention spans, and replaced deep knowledge with superficiality. Allow me to explain this
perspective in detail, drawing upon numerous examples and insights.
Diminished Critical Thinking
The internet provides ready-made answers to almost any question, eliminating the need for deep
reflection or analysis. For instance, students preparing for exams increasingly rely on platforms
like ChatGPT or pre-written summaries rather than engaging with original texts or formulating
their interpretations. The availability of quick solutions discourages individuals from exercising
critical thinking, a fundamental aspect of intelligence.
Take, for example, the prevalence of “Google culture.” Instead of developing problem-solving
skills, people now depend on search engines to retrieve information instantaneously. This
reliance undermines the cognitive process of grappling with challenges and finding solutions
through reasoning and logic.
The Illusion of Knowledge
The internet often provides a false sense of being well-informed. Social media platforms like
Twitter or Instagram reduce complex issues to bite-sized posts or catchy hashtags. Reading a
280-character tweet about climate change or geopolitics cannot substitute for the depth of
understanding gained from thorough research or reading books. People mistake fragmented
snippets of information for comprehensive knowledge, creating an illusion of expertise.
A study conducted by Yale University highlights this phenomenon, showing that individuals
who read online articles with hyperlinks recall less information compared to those who read the
same text in print. The very structure of internet content encourages skimming, leading to
shallow comprehension rather than intellectual depth.
Reduced Attention Spans
The constant stream of notifications, advertisements, and multimedia content on the internet
conditions users to crave instant gratification. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and
Instagram Reels cater to this need by presenting content in ultra-short formats, often under a
minute. This fosters a habit of skimming rather than engaging deeply, making it difficult for
people to focus on long-form content such as novels, academic texts, or even a simple lecture.
For instance, the average attention span of internet users has dropped to just 8 seconds, according
to a study by Microsoft—a stark contrast to the 12-second attention span recorded two decades
ago. This inability to sustain focus is particularly detrimental in academic and professional
contexts, where intelligence is built on the ability to engage with material over extended periods.
Dependency and Memory Decline
The internet has also rendered people overly dependent on digital tools, weakening their memory
and problem-solving skills. A simple example is our reliance on GPS systems for navigation.
While our parents or grandparents could remember intricate routes or use physical maps
effectively, we now outsource this mental task entirely to technology. Similarly, students often
rely on calculators for basic arithmetic that previous generations could perform mentally.
Nicholas Carr, in his book The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains, argues that
constant internet usage rewires the brain, prioritizing short-term memory over long-term
retention. This has far-reaching consequences, as true intelligence depends not merely on access
to facts but on the ability to integrate and apply them creatively.
The Rise of Misinformation
Another significant way in which the internet hampers intelligence is through the proliferation of
misinformation. Fake news, doctored images, and misleading articles circulate freely,
influencing people who lack the media literacy to distinguish credible sources from unreliable
ones.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, countless conspiracy theories about vaccines
spread online, leading to widespread confusion and vaccine hesitancy. The inability to critically
evaluate information online often results in poor decision-making, undermining individual and
collective intelligence.
In conclusion, while the internet is undoubtedly a repository of knowledge, its misuse is
contributing to a decline in intellectual rigor. By discouraging critical thinking, promoting
superficial understanding, reducing attention spans, weakening memory, and amplifying
misinformation, the internet is indeed making people less intelligent. To counter this trend, we
must cultivate habits of deep reading, critical analysis, and intellectual discipline, ensuring that
we use the internet as a tool for enlightenment rather than a crutch for ignorance.
Thank you.
Against the motion
Debate Topic: The Internet is Making People Less Intelligent
Speaker: Syed Husain Jafri, Class 12, STS High School, AMU
Good morning, respected judges, esteemed teachers, and dear friends. Today, I stand against the
motion that "The Internet is Making People Less Intelligent." Far from diminishing human
intelligence, the internet has revolutionized how we acquire, process, and disseminate
knowledge. By making vast resources available at our fingertips, fostering global connectivity,
and nurturing new skills, the internet has not only enhanced intelligence but also reshaped our
very definition of being informed and capable in the modern era. Allow me to elaborate on this
perspective with detailed arguments and examples.
The Democratization of Knowledge
The internet has democratized access to information in ways previously unimaginable. Unlike in
the past, when access to education and knowledge was often restricted by geography, economic
barriers, or social inequality, the internet has made it possible for anyone with a connection to
access world-class resources. Platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX provide free or
affordable educational courses, allowing students from underprivileged backgrounds to learn
subjects that were once out of their reach.
Consider Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Laureate who championed education rights. She utilized
the internet to reach a global audience and amplify her message. Similarly, countless individuals
in remote areas now use the internet to study, acquire skills, and improve their lives, proving that
the internet is a tool for intellectual empowerment.
Enhancing Critical Thinking and Collaboration
Contrary to the claim that the internet discourages critical thinking, it often challenges users to
analyze and synthesize information. Online platforms like Quora, Reddit, and Stack Exchange
encourage users to engage in debates, share diverse perspectives, and find innovative solutions to
complex problems.
Take, for example, the rise of citizen science initiatives such as Foldit, an online puzzle game
where participants contributed to decoding the structure of proteins, aiding medical research.
This shows how the internet fosters collaborative problem-solving, enabling ordinary people to
engage in activities that require high-level thinking and scientific inquiry.
Expanding Learning Methods and Skills
The internet has introduced a diversity of learning tools that cater to various styles of
intelligence. Visual learners can access video tutorials on YouTube, auditory learners can listen
to podcasts or audiobooks, and kinesthetic learners can engage with interactive simulations.
Moreover, platforms like Duolingo have revolutionized the process of learning new languages,
enabling users to acquire linguistic skills through gamified experiences. Artificial intelligence-
powered tools such as Grammarly help users improve their writing, while apps like
WolframAlpha provide step-by-step solutions to mathematical problems, teaching users the
underlying concepts. These tools do not replace intelligence but enhance it by providing new
ways to learn and grow.
Improving Memory and Efficiency
While critics argue that the internet weakens memory, it is essential to note that intelligence in
the 21st century is not about memorizing facts but about finding and applying them effectively.
Tools like Evernote, Google Drive, and Trello help individuals organize and retrieve information
efficiently, allowing them to focus on higher-order thinking tasks such as analysis, synthesis, and
creativity.
Consider how professionals in fields like data science, medicine, and engineering use the internet
to access real-time information, collaborate with peers, and solve problems. These are not signs
of declining intelligence but of enhanced cognitive efficiency.
Combating Misinformation through Media Literacy
While the internet does host misinformation, it has also equipped people with tools to combat it.
Fact-checking websites like Snopes, PolitiFact, and BBC Reality Check provide users with
verified information, enabling them to differentiate between credible sources and false
narratives. Schools and universities worldwide are incorporating digital literacy programs into
their curricula, teaching students how to evaluate the reliability of online content.
For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the internet played a pivotal role in disseminating
accurate information about safety measures and vaccine efficacy. Websites like the World Health
Organization’s portal and scientific forums helped people make informed decisions, showcasing
the internet’s potential to enhance collective intelligence.
Cultivating Global Awareness and Empathy
The internet has fostered global interconnectedness, allowing people to learn about cultures,
issues, and perspectives beyond their immediate environment. Social media campaigns like
#MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter have raised awareness about social justice issues, sparking
intellectual and emotional engagement among millions. This global awareness broadens horizons
and nurtures emotional intelligence, a crucial component of overall intelligence.
Consider Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist who used the internet to mobilize millions
of people worldwide. Her ability to leverage technology for advocacy is a testament to how the
internet empowers individuals to think critically and act intelligently on global issues.
The Evolution of Intelligence
Finally, it is essential to recognize that the internet is not making people less intelligent; it is
reshaping intelligence itself. In the past, intelligence was often measured by the ability to
memorize facts or solve problems independently. Today, intelligence is about adaptability,
collaboration, and the ability to harness technology to achieve goals.
Take the field of artificial intelligence research, where experts use internet-driven technologies to
simulate human cognition, solve complex problems, and create innovations that benefit
humanity. This evolution reflects not a decline in intelligence but its transformation into a more
dynamic and versatile form.
In conclusion, the internet is not diminishing intelligence; it is revolutionizing it. By
democratizing access to knowledge, fostering critical thinking, enhancing learning methods, and
cultivating global awareness, the internet has become a powerful ally in human intellectual
development. It is up to us to use this tool responsibly and effectively, ensuring that we harness
its potential for growth and enlightenment. Intelligence is not about resisting change but about
adapting to and thriving in a changing world—and the internet exemplifies this beautifully.
Thank you.
