Yale Daily News

This falls a bit short on useful information or solutions to mitigate the main complaint, as well as suffering from a slight lack of balance with regard to presenting the pluses and minuses attributable to technology.

Looking at history, one must weigh carefully the benefit and detriment of technological progress. A quick metric might be: would you rather live in the present or 200 years ago? TV/civil rights/vaccines vs literary prowess/slavery/disease?

I completely agree with the observations regarding the societal consequences of watching too much TV. But let's dig deeper. Let's look at the insidiousness of marketing techniques and corporate influence... and point to solutions. And let's at least mention what the power of communications through images has done: the way millions have been moved by pictures and voted/acted to improve our lot in terms of human rights, disaster relief and yes, even inspiration. Motor vehicles, cell phones, the internet, tests etc. should be presented the same way. Pluses? Minuses? Solutions? Not just emphasizing the negatives and acknowledging that they have some use.

Regarding the conclusion, is it suggested that unforeseen consequences is an argument against invention? If not (which I sincerely hope is the case), is the intent here to admonish inventors (based on past results) to be careful and thoughtful before introducing a new technology willy nilly? If this is the case, it seems rather patronizing to assume that scientists, engineers, legislators, federal regulators etc. don't in general go through a great deal of (and often passionate) effort to debate the consequences of new technologies before implementing them. If on the other hand this is simply to remind and affirm that we must be cautious and diligent going forward, then great. Join the clubs. I am sure it’s appreciated just as children appreciate (consciously or subconsciously) their parent's cry of "be careful!" when they go flying out the door.

Nobody is clairvoyant and able to foresee every bad consequence. This should not be an argument to stall progress for the sake of preserving true human interaction and rational thought. Focusing on a good book for a week or engaging in stimulating conversation can still be done today amidst all of our fabulous gadgets, distractions and yes, TV. Is it a matter of good parenting, education or discipline? I sincerely don't know. But it's still possible, just as you and the rest of the students at this great institution can demonstrate. Anyway, I'm not convinced that Thoreau's quote about inventions tending to be pretty toys that distract is "surely right" either standing on its own, or based on what is presented here.

Thanx Bryce . That's why i objected to the "Make the Hobbit Happen" movement and the now upcoming movie.Pick up the book now in the Library and tell me what your imagination is showing you ??