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Tuesday, December 23, 2008 12:00 AM

Is the Web helping us evolve?

The truth lies somewhere between "Google is making us stupid" and "the Internet will liberate humanity."

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  • Monday, December 22, 2008 07:36 PM

    Evolution?

    The Web is the greatest instrument ever invented for journalism, and the most empowering too for free speech since the invention of the printing press.

    But "evolve"?

    Evolution takes place in other realms.

    That's obvious, in the material biological sense; the only way the Web is going to aid evolution is if there's enough radiation exposure to produce positive mutations over the course of generations.

    As for the realm of the evolution of human consciousness- well, the Internet's utility as a tool in that process is pretty much contingent on literacy, I think. Literacy is a much bigger quantum jump for consciousness.

    Although there are some vitally important types of conscious evolution that the skill set of literacy doesn't develop, the Internet would be completely frivolous without it.

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