Impact of the Internet on Literacy

Abstract

This chapter explores how the internet has changed literacy from primarily reading and writing to juggling texts, emails, hypertexts, and digital applications on screens for both personal and professional agendas. Instant global access to information provides advantages for learning and communicating efficiently but requires matching the best application for a particular task with the user depending upon age or skill level and places a greater personal responsibility for evaluation and creation of content. The human brain, particularly the attention span, is changing due to the exponential growth and adoption of technological tools for the production and consumption of media in many formats for all age groups from early childhood through the elderly. Issues relating to literacy in the internet age (metaliteracy) are examined through generational life stages.