In recent years, there has been considerable debate about whether the use of devices such as phones and computers has affected our reading and writing skills. While some people believe that the phenomenon of digital communication has taken a substantial toll on our literacy, others contend that it is not true and affects our knowledge solely positively. From my perspective, this trend has indeed helped the public to raise its literacy as well as certain cognitive skills, therefore I am of the opinion that this phenomenon is positive, although with certain downsides, which will be covered in this essay.
To begin with, I would like to look at the situation from the viewpoint of stakeholders who view this trend as inherently negative. On the one hand, the excessive use of digital devices starting from an early age can seem detrimental to the way we think and productivity. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for a child to get familiarized with a phone phone and other gadgets rather than with essential disciplines such as writing or reading, which instills fear for the young generation. Looking from this side, some concerns can be partly warranted, as if gadgets hinder one’s development and growth, it is a priori a bad omen that should be quelled until it is not too late.
Contrary to the popular belief, I maintain the idea that the advent digitalization has gifted us far more positive experiences rather than adverse ones. Turning to statistics, over the past years children’s literacy has enjoyed sudden growth, especially in terms of reading, writing, and spelling. The plausible reason it that an everyday exposure to a plethora of media and information stirs up an interest inside both minors and adults, stimulating them to discover and learn more. As an example, I would like to mention a writing platform with a world-wide reputation which is called AO3. From experiences of many people, this site for both aspiring writers and readers has enabled people of distinct age groups to engage into reading and writing more due to the easy accessibility from every corner of the world. Thus, those experiences contradict the statement that digital devices have an inherent adverse impact on people.
After taking into consideration all the points made above, even though some individuals think that this development has negatively affected our cognitive skills, I do not think it is necessarily true, as the advent of technology has advanced a great deal of our skills, making us so productive as ever before.