when solutions are just a click away

[jcmuse]

i wonder what you guys think.

Today, you can find a solution to most problems/questions with just a quick google search. I find I jump to google immediately when trying to figure things out, without putting much thought into the problem myself. My logic is, why waste my energy on something someone already has figured out ("don't reinvent the wheel"). If the solution i find isn't good enough, then i will put my own efforts into it, but usually, between the original "post" and the following comments, the solution is optimal or very close to it. This works similarly for memory. Concepts i've learned that i'm hazy on -- well, i don't bother trying to recall them -- i go straight to google to relearn them. Essentially, i research (google search) everything i ponder almost immediately, unless i'm not near a computer, then it might sit in my head for awhile.

My concern is this is hindering my problem solving and memory skills. anyone experience anything similar or have any thoughts on this?

 

[sdifox]

use or lose it so I agree with you it will have detrimental effects. But, if you use the google answer as the starting point, then it is not too bad.

 

[lxskllr]

Having good reference skills is better than having good innate skills. As technology improves, we lose core skills as we learn to manipulate machines. It's been happening since we've created tools. That's how we improve as a species.

 

[SunnyD]

"Google" is a viable skill to list on resumes.

 

[Maximilian]

<3 google

dont <3 when i find someone has posted some question which i want the answer to and the first reply is "repost" and the thread is promptly locked

 

[olds]

I like it.
Sometimes the wife and I are watching a movie on our home theater. If some tidbit comes up that we want to know more about I pause the movie, change the input to my htpc and google the info. Then go back to the movie.

If the wife gets up to get me another beer and a sammich, I pause the movie then nef real quick on ATOT.

 

[purbeast0]

i disagree with the detrimental effects it will have. i think it has great beneficial effects instead. i've learned so much about shit i never would have learned if it weren't for google. things like fixing my tv, how to run cable through walls, the steps to purchasing a first home, plus many MANY more things - all learned from google searching. since someone else had already done all that, and documented it, it helps you learn quicker w/out making mistakes that are easily avoidable.

 

[sdifox]

I like it.
Sometimes the wife and I are watching a movie on our home theater. If some tidbit comes up that we want to know more about I pause the movie, change the input to my htpc and google the info. Then go back to the movie.

If the wife gets up to get me another beer and a sammich, I pause the movie then nef real quick on ATOT.

you need a second screen for that...dual display ftw.

 

[olds]

you need a second screen for that...dual display ftw.

LOL
Dual 60" plasmas ftw!

 

[sdifox]

LOL
Dual 60" plasmas ftw!

or just a 19" lcd... placed near you.. or a tablet

 

[GobBluth]

Bing > Google.

Nah, I'm kidding. but if you have seen the commercials you know what I'm talking about. Took the test, scored overwhelmingly in favor of Google.

 

[Cheesemoo]

<3 google

dont <3 when i find someone has posted some question which i want the answer to and the first reply is "repost" and the thread is promptly locked

I vote for you to become a MOD.

 

[SandEagle]

Having good reference skills is better than having good innate skills. As technology improves, we lose core skills as we learn to manipulate machines. It's been happening since we've created tools. That's how we improve as a species.

well said, apprentice.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I find lots of answers on the internet.

I generally don't execute the solution until I have a fair idea whether or not it's likely to work, and why. Because I know I'll probably have to explain it to somebody else and I don't want to look like a retard.