Texts:
Richard Restak’s “Attention Deficit: The Brain Syndrome of Our Era”
Sam Anderson’s “In Defense of Distraction”
Robin Marantz Henig’s “What Is It about 20-Somethings?”
Thomas King’s “Adults, we need to have the talk”
Does a wealth of constant information strengthen young minds or does it weaken them? This question remains central to both Richard Restak’s “Attention Deficit: The Brain Syndrome of Our Era” and Sam Anderson’s “In Defense of Distraction.”
Choose no more than three of the above texts, and write a six page paper arguing for or against the benefits of a digitally distracting world—and all the information, social extensions, and other abilities that go along with it.
Revisit either Henig or King’s ideas about developing young adults, and please directly connect your argument with this population (not necessarily emerging adults, just 20-somethings, in general).
This prompt is intended to inspire and get you started. Please use the parameters as you find them helpful. Remember: The more specific you are, the better. There’s no right answer and no right approach. Try to choose an angle that best interests you.
Remember: Use the texts to support your arguments, but don’t forget to drive! This is your paper, your voice in the conversation. Try to approach the texts as raw materials. It’s your job to make something new.
