Technology effects everyone different, and everyone has vastly different options on said effect. Some may believe that technology has completely shifted their lives, others may believe it hasn’t changed them at all, and many are simply in the middle, believing that technology has affected them but not declaring to what extent. A small difference in beliefs and opinions often cause us to overlook the opinions of others, casting aside any ideas of theirs because it challenges ours. Yet if we take the time to look deeper, to listen, learn, and understand what others are saying we can learn a lot, and we might just surprise ourselves by how many similarities we find. This is clear when looking at the opinions and personal experiences of Siobhan Smith, Ian Grimm, and Nicholas Carr is regards to technology and the effect it is having on us. At first glance, one might note Smith and Grimms different approaches and essay contents, with Smith writing of relationships and education, and Grimm writing of physical heath and fake news. This surface level examination of these essays shows little similarities, yet if one was to look deeper, they would see the many connections. Though specifics and severity to their beliefs differ, the two writers align in their connection and shared opinions with Nicholas Carr, with all three writing of the effects and changes that have occurred due to our reliance and dependence on technology. 

            One such instance of this shared connection and belief of all writers is in their writing of misinformation and communication. Throughout their respective essays all wrote of the effects of the web as a communication system, and the drastic repercussions that can occur as a result. One view of this is that of Ian, who wrote on his opinions about technology and misinformation. According to Grimm, “technology allows for false narratives and misinformation to spread and thrive” (Grimm). Grimm continued to go on and discuss how technology is making it harder for use to determine what is real and what is fake, and that as a result we the information we receive, and consequently the knowledge we gain is being direct effected, and as he argues negatively, by technology. Looking at another prospective, yet echoing similar concerns and beliefs is Smiths essay, which focuses instead on the social effects that technological misinformation and communication can cause. This essay brings up the concerns of “false rumors traveling on the web” (Smith) and communication becoming harder as technology continues to grow and develop, as well as stating the idea that “relationships with friends, family, and significant others are all based on communication” (Smith). Although the specifics of Ian and Smiths points are different, the main idea is the same. Both ideas tie into Carrs beliefs, that being that the web is a “communications system [that plays] so many roles in our lives- [and] exert[s] such board influence over our thoughts” (Carr, 6). While I can see value and truth in all the authors perspectives, for me it is aspects of Smiths writing that I agree the most with. Her ideas that our relationships are based on communication rings true, and while her points are valid, I might offer up an alternative idea. Despite the negative effects that technology has had on communication, it has also vasty improved the speed an ease that we can communicate with those far away, perhaps strengthening relationships along the way. Although the authors, and I, may all have focused on different specific aspects and have slightly differing opinions, all the works tie into the central idea that technology, although the extent to which may be debated, is influencing communications and information.

            Furthering the tie between the authors is their writing on the physical effects technology has had, which consequently tie into Carrs belief on technological reliance. In Grimm essay he brings up the topic of physical health effects that technology has had. In fact, he takes a rather strong stance on this point, stating simply “We’re fat” (Grimm), and citing “the growth and rise of digital technology” (Grimm) as the reasoning for this. He continues to write on his belief that technology is leading to poorer health by stating ideas such his beliefs that a variety of health issues, such as mental health, have risen along with the rise of technology. Although not taking as strong of a stance, Smith also comments on the physical effect of technology, but focusing rather on the lack of physical material, specifically in terms of education. In terms of education, the author brings up how pen and paper have all but disappeared from the classroom, as well as physical books being replaced by their online counter parts. According to Smith, this increase in technology in the classroom has “made [her] learning experience extremely difficult” (Smith), and “these struggles are only going to get worse with the ongoing advancements in technology” (Smith).  As a result of these physical education tools are being removed from the classroom, education and learning are being affecting, as students are having a harder time comprehending material, and knowledge and key skills are decreasing. Though different from Ian’s discussion on obesity and health issues, Smiths points share the common idea of physical changes, and both ideas echo a key idea of Carrs writing. This idea is simply that we are becoming reliant on technology, and that this technology is changing us and our environments. With this idea I can agree with the writers, good or bad, technology has had an effect, that point is undebatable. Though expressing different specifics, this change was expressed and agreed upon throughout Grimm, Smith, and Carrs writings. 

            The opinions and beliefs contained within each of these authors essays illuminates the need to look deeper than surface level when reading. By taking a more in depth look at each authors writing, similarities are revealed amidst the differences. With a deeper look, connections between Carrs, Smiths, and Grimms writing become apparent, and shared opinions such as technology effecting communication and information, as well as changing us and our environment become clear.