As per title. Seems that everything these days is controlled by a computer, 2% of the population programs these things and the rest of us follow. Thoughts?

Ogg invent wheel. Rest use them. Used to walk all over place and carry meat in arms. People not think no more.

Technology doesn't make you dumb, reliance on technology makes you dumb.

That's the same question that was aksed about the automobile replacing horses, and a TV in every home.

Pretty much this.
History shows us that we are improving and that each generation is smarter than the last.

I fail to see how relying on a car, or electricity, or medicine, etc, makes people dumb.
Ignorance makes people dumb.

Which is why 98% of the population have lost the power of reason and worship the almighty computer? People generally can no longer think, because they don't really have to.

I do believe people should have at least some basic understanding of these things, which many don't. I know of people who have no understanding of their own bodies and place all faith in their doctor. One instance that I found very funny was of a guys wife who unplugged the power lead because she thought there was enough electricity in the extension cord to finish the job.

Don't be pedantic, you know what I meant.

I do not know about "dumb", but people seem to be losing their ability to think critically. There is a reason that "I read it on the internet" is a worn out joke.

Computers, by themselves, may have people forgetting their math (using calculators instead of brains), but other than that, it is more what people do with their computers. The Internet certainly adds to people's "stupidity factor" and that can only be accessed by computers. The reason I say this is that people search specifically for what they want and never look any further into a topic. They will glom onto the first thing that will support their view and stop looking. I had one guy on another message board try to use a customer phone survey as a basis for a medical diagnosis fact. I laughed at him.

News Media outlets also help people stop thinking. Instead of asking "Why?", they take what the media tells them and never engage their brains.

I do not know about the "people are smarter today" claim. How do they measure that? Too many people do not know languages, or their correct usage. Too many people do not know basic math and reading comprehension. Too many have no clue about geography and politics. Many people sure do know about the Internet and Cell Phones, though. Most can get their DVDs working (unlike the clocks on their VCRs of yesteryear ). Technology-wise, people may be smarter than years ago. That only figures since technology is something that is new. Basic skills and abilities, though, are lacking, in my opinion.

Reliance on technology for what, exactly?

If anything, reliance on technology makes us smarter and more knowledgeable. All technology allows us to do is to do things faster. Instead of having to go to the graduate library to perform research for my dissertation proposal, I can simply search through EBSCOHost and find thousands more results that way. Wikipedia on its own is a marvel of human ingenuity and willingness to help others learn and grow as individuals.

What does a mudcrab sandwich taste like anyways?

Have you noticed automitons in your local supermarket who can't actually think for themselves any more? Jobs worths who live only by the rules (who's rules?) and are only happy when making your life a misery?

Like dressed crab with a fantastic sauce on it surrounded in freshly baked bread. Why do you ask?

I bought a warm humidifier and forgot my body is attuned to a cool humidifier, I just looked and saw the package, I saw it said humidifier, but forgot that my body does better by getting cool mist, I used a cool humidifier when I was younger, and that worked, I just recently bought the humidifier, so hopefullly can exchange the warm one for a cold one

I am looking for a job that I love, just haven't got there yet, but I have a job, so that's better than nothing I guess; however I do not know which road to take, school has really been an expensive venture, I have been playing the guitar for a little bit, another guitar player told me to take it slow and go at my own pace, don't know where to go make that dream materialize in the near future, have had alot of pitfalls, I like the saying in skyrim, "war follows a man until it is done with him." I am in a fast paced environment which I sometimes can handle but its sometimes a litttle stressful

Lol, no. Not at all. In fact technology provides better means and tools for us to educate ourselves.

I think we need to know how everything works before we rely on technological automation.

ie. Math. Learn it mentally and then use a calculator once you understand it.

oh oh, okay, so it's dressed crab, is there lettuce on there, I know there's butter on there as that is one of the ingredients, do you think there is also salt on there? I tried crab once, I understand now why people say it's an aquirred taste, I like calamari, but everyone's likes are different so to each of own.

Yes, yes, we've heard this song before. http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/sheeple.png

Good for you.

So you are able to post a link but however are not able to contribute anything to the thread. Sums it up really doesn't it.

That's been going on since those jobs were first invented. Computers haven't made that any different at all. Those jobs were soul-svcking in the 1940s and they are still soul-svcking now.

Reasonable point, hadn't thought of that!

You obviously haven't been around very long. People have always been like that, computers haven't made them that way. Many people just don't want to take the time to think, that's just human nature and has nothing to do with technology. If anything computers have allowed the people who enjoy using their brains to broaden their horizons in way that would have been unimaginable not to long ago. Someone mentioned Wikipedia for instance. Their is so much information available to us now, if you're so inclined to look into it. Many universities are even offering online courses for their degrees so someone can maintain a steady job while still furthering their education.

I think that too many people just do not care to "self educate." I certainly do not on every topic available

Computer not----take away---me---smert.