Exercise 3.1: Analyzing Claims

Joshua Steele
October 23, 2012
English 115
Professor Macklin

Analyzing Claims in "Modern Technology Is Changing The Way Our Brains Work"

    In Susan Greenfield’s article “Modern Technology Is Changing The Way Our Brains Work,” Susan Greenfield claims that modern technology and the increasing use of prescription drugs are negatively altering the way our brains work. On multiple occasions, she refers to these changes as a “crisis” that would make George Orwell’s greatest fears come true. Greenfield also states that even though the human brain is highly adaptable, the changes to our brains caused by modern technology are highly damaging and possibly irreversible.  She backs up her claim when she states that, “Attention spans are shorter, personal communication skills are reduced and there’s a marked reduction in the ability to think abstractly.”  Greenfield also compares video game addictions to drug and alcohol addictions when she says that, “However, playing certain games can mimic addiction, and the heaviest users of these games might soon begin to do a pretty good impersonation of an addict” (Greenfield).   In order to understand Susan Greenfield’s statements and the reasoning behind it, the reader must know more about her background.
    Susan Greenfield is a professor of pharmacology at Oxford University, neuroscientist, writer, broadcaster, and a member of the British House of Lords, which is the largely ceremonial upper house of Parliament. In the House of Lords, 84% of the members are appointed for life (House of Lords). Members are appointed by the Queen based on the advice of the Prime Minister. In addition to analyzing the effect of technology on the brain, Susan Greenfield has also published a neuroscientific theory of consciousness (Baroness Susan Greenfield).

Works Cited
1. Baroness Susan Greenfield. Susan Greenfield, 2012. Web. October 23, 2012.
2. House of Lords. UK Parliament. Web. October 23, 2012.
3. “Modern Technology Is Changing The Way Our Brains Work.” Susan Greenfield, 2008. Web. October 23, 2012.