Ng Zeng Woon/ The Dumbest Generation? Don't be Dumb

In my opinion, the term "dumb", in context with the article, is used to highlight the plain ignorance of Generation Y towards information worth learning about from the past besides the conventional meaning of the term  "dumb".

I am opposing the argument that Generation Y is the dumbest of all generations. Here are my reasons:

1) First of all I would like to question Emory University Professor for English Mark Bauerlein's argument that Generation Y's intellectual shortcomings is due to advancements in technology. Yes indeed technology has made our lives all the more better than previous generations, and every improvement in technology is significant in each generation experiencing such advancements in technology. However can we blame the intellectual shortcomings of Generation Y just because their lives has been improved significantly? On the contrary I believe that these advancements in technology are actually key to taking intelligence of Generation Y to a higher level. It is hard to deny that it has made them lazier as now information, unlike the past, is now available at a click of a computer mouse. However it is not about how easy they are able to collect the information but rather HOW they make use of the information they can easily get for their own benefit. Like cognitive scientist Marcel Just of Carnegie Mellon University said "Insofar as new information technology exercises our minds and provides more information, it has to be improving thinking ability." His words alone proves a point; with technology, we actually improve and adapt our thinking abilities to meet the demands of an ever-changing society, making Generation Y more capable to handle anything that comes their way.

2) IQ scores are going up across the globe. IQ tests are meant to measure thinking capacity of humans and NOT their knowledge of the world. That comes under another test called "Current Affairs Quiz.'' Even if people belonging to Generation Y's level of knowledge of events and history around the world is sorely lacking, its definitely not equals to saying that Generation Y is dumb or even the dumbest of all generations. In the first place, would knowledge of war history help you to pass a Chemistry test? Absolutely not! It's more about the thinking capability that is emphasised today rather than the knowledge possessed, although yes indeed having more knowledge would enhance Generation Y's education greatly. And given that the thinking capabilities are more advanced than that of previous generations it does bode well for Generation Y to make an impact in society with their thinking skills.

3) Generation Y is indeed blessed to have better technology and much improved lives today, but it is being criticised for being dumb due to its ignorance towards solid history and knowledge. To be honest, it's all about choice. They have a choice to absorb the knowledge and use it to their benefits. Ignorance does not equate to being dumb; it is an unfair equation. Reason so is that their ignorance to certain stuff might be of information that is totally not of any use to them at all. Perhaps they might be more interested in info in which they can utilise for making society a much better place. This does not prove any slight presence of "dumbness" in Generation Y at all.