Is technology making us smarter or dumber?

In a series of very interesting articles, CNET reports on how technology has affected the human brain and its development in comparison to our ancestors. The age old question answered by scientists and experts conclude that the brain today is highly adaptive and is measurably able to do higher level cognitive processes than those just a generation ago – apparently just because of the internet.

Also, the use of calculators and the internet has radically changed our notion of what is intelligence to function in the world we live in despite a concern that these technologies itself do make us wonder if we have grown less capable to calculate and remember facts.

I am not so sure whether I agree with the experts. For instance, just ponder for a little the implications of this bizarre and telling quote from CNET:

"It's true we don't remember anything anymore, but we don't need to."

This is according to Hawkins, the co-founder of Palm Computing and author of a book called "On Intelligence."

Intelligence in the Internet age CNET News.com
From ape to 'Homo digitas'? CNET News.com
Are we getting smarter or dumber? CNET News.com