Everything Bad Is Good For You

Title: Everything Bad Is Good For You

Author: Steven Johnson

Publisher: Penguin Group

Genre: Non- fiction

What are your personal thoughts/opinions on this book?

Our personal thoughts/opinions on this book are that we thought it expanded our thinking because it made us think and see how the Internet, video games, and movies were good for us. We also thought the book really went into depth and gave strong reasons of why the media benefits to us by actually making us intellingent. Something that really stood out to us in the book is when Johnson talked about the Flynn Effect, which is where he talks about how the IQ scores went up because of the complex media. We felt the book was useful to us because we got to know why the media is good for you and not bad like others say it is. Victoria and I think that we would recommend the book to others because we thought others would be interested to learn or get to know how video games and the Internet are good for you.

Short Summary

The book "Everything Bad Is Good For You," by Steven Johnson argues that video games, televison, film, and the Internet are good for us. In the book he states that those things are good for us because video games and the Internet have grown more complex over the past years. Steven Johnson states in the book that while playing video games it can help you learn critical thinking skills. As for the Internet Johnson also says that it forces users to probe and master new environments. From what Johnson is saying he introduces the Sleeper Curve. The Sleeper Curve shows the benifits of what the more complex media has done to us. Johnson separates the book into two parts. In the first part he states that the Internet, video games, and film have grown more complex. In addition, the second part shows the similarities of the entertainment and how it increases intelligence. In the book Johnson introduces the Flynn Effect. The Flynn Effect shows that the IQ scores rose because of the popular culture. This means because we're playing more complex games, television shows, and movies our IQ scores are going up.


 In the audio component Steven Johnson talks about the Sleeper Curve . He says in the audio component that the Sleeper Curve is how the Internet, video games, and television shows are becoming more complex and challenging.

What kind of argument(s) does the author make? Is it logical or emotional? Are there any fallacies in the argument? (you need to provide examples from the text of the types of arguments made.)

The argument the author makes is that movies, video games, and the television teach more things to people than books. It is logical and no there are not fallacies in the argument  because the author did not have a faliure in reasoning the argument. For example on page 129 one of the arguments he made is he said that movies challenge the mind by creating a thick network of intersecting plotlines. Another example of the arguments he made is about the internet. His argument about the internet says on page 121 that the internet forces users to probe and master new environments.


This picture is found on page 70 from the book Everything Bad Is Good For You. The picture shows how this television show is increasing in complexity and is layered with plots, ideas, and many characters.

                                       

Does the book have a clear, organized argument? (including:what the argument is, how the book itself is organized [table of contents,preface,chapters,etc..], how the argument is organized and presented throughout the text.)

In the book "Everything bad Is Good For You" Steven johnson does have a clear organized argument. Johnson argues that video games, television shows, or movies aren't as bad as people say it is because it actually makes people more intelligent. The book is organized by first explaining to the readers about the sleeper curve and splitting the book into two parts. The first part in the book talks about the  benifits of how games, televison, and the internet are more complex and make you intelligent. The second half talks about the Flynn Effect and how technology applys to the Sleeper Curve. Also how "technology trains the mind to explore and master complex systems", found in the book on page 176. The argument is presented through the text by using anecdotes and facts of how technology is good for you.

Does the book prove its central argument is true?

Yes, the book does prove its central argument is true. Steven Johnson's argument in the book is that video games, television, the internet, and movies help make people more intelligent. Johnson shows how over the years technology has grown more complex. For example, Johnson supports his claim, "When you spend leisure time interacting with social media and technology that forces you to 'fill in' and 'lean forward' you are developing skills that will ultimately translate into higher scores." (page 149)

What do others say about this book?

Many people have different reviews and sayings of the book "Everything Bad is Good for You" by Steven Johnson. For example, David Fentresss posted on June 28, 2005 that he thought "Steven Johnson wrote a great deal highlighting the depth and intricacy of many computer games. he also thought that Johnson presented a very convincing case that a significant part of pop culture is in fact making people smarter. Another review by Farhad Manjoo  says that in the book "Johnson protests too much, setting up what looks like straw men defenders of old media so that he can expand on the greatness of the new." He also was surprised of how Johnson illustrates about how video games and television affect your brain.

Does the book stick to its subject, or wander off?

Overall, Johnson sticks to his subject throughout the book. However, in some of his anecdotes or his explanations, he tends to wander off.

Does the book speak to you?

Yes, it does because we can relate to this book. This is due to the fact that we live in a genration where many kids and teens are always on their phones, and forget about everything else. many adults think that we have an unhealthy obsession with technology, but Johnson explains how technology can help make people smarter. Johnson states  the purpose clearly by presenting facts and anecdotes. Yes, we think that we are on the same wavelength as the author.