Media, internet, and cognition: beyond Screens, towards a balanced understanding

Résumé

Abstract
This article employs a multidisciplinary methodological approach to investigate the complex relationships between media, technology, and cognition, drawing insights from key works such as McLuhan's "Understanding Media" and Carr's "The Shallows." By examining theoretical foundations, it highlights McLuhan's theory of "the medium is the message," emphasizing how the transition of media has profoundly altered the nature of information. Similarly, Carr's study on brain plasticity related to Internet use finds concrete illustrations in fast online browsing behaviours, demonstrating a shift towards rapid thinking at the expense of deep concentration. These illustrations also demonstrate impacts on individual and social cognition. Social networks, by promoting quick thinking through incentives such as likes, create an environment where information superficiality thrives. Concurrently, the transformation of communication modes, influenced by media evolution, is reflected in more fragmented and less contextualized interactions. The article proposes insights for conscious usage, suggesting the integration of media education into school curricula to promote critical analysis of online information. By calling for ongoing research, it underscores the importance of understanding the implications of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, on human cognition. These conclusions call for collective reflection on how we can proactively navigate this changing media landscape, thus fostering balanced adaptation to contemporary challenges.

Keywords: Media, Cognition, Brain Plasticity, McLuhan, Carr, Media Education,