Create an annotated bibliography entry for the article by Seaboyer, J. (2020, January 14). If you can read this headline, you can read a novel. Here's how to ignore your phone and just do it. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/if-you-can-read-this-headline-you-can-read-a-novel-heres-how-to-ignore-your-phone-and-just-do-it-116524Links to an external site.

you should include a citation, a summary of the article, and an evaluation of its relevance or usefulness.

You will include at the beginning of the Annotated Bibliography a re-statement of your argument (I agree... or I disagree.... or I am of two minds...) from your Blog Proposal assignment (the statement in the second paragraph). After your argument you will begin the list of annotations. Each source included in your bibliography should not only be reliable and relevant to your blog but should also offer a significant/ noteworthy/ interesting/ unique contribution to your understanding of the issue at the heart of your blog.

In order for you to build knowledge and understanding about your topic for your blog post, you will need to find 10 sources (4 academic peer-reviewed sources, 4 popular sources, and 2 multimedia sources) that are related to your argument. You will develop critical reading notes that you will submit along with your APA formatted annotations that develop critical insight and a guide to how you will use these sources.

Each source in the annotated bibliography should be introduced with full bibliographic information formatted in APA. The annotation should follow directly below the bibliographic entry (leave only one line spacing, as shown below). The entries should be listed alphabetically, by the first author's last name. Please note, do not change the order of the authors' names.

Final Blog Proposal:

The blog article by J. Seaboyer, "If you can read this headline, you can read a novel. Here's how to ignore your phone and just do it," explores the increasingly prevalent issue of digital distraction and its impact on reading habits. In our technology-saturated world, many individuals struggle to maintain focus and engage in deep reading, particularly with long-form content like novels. This topic is significant because it touches on the broader implications of how constant access to smartphones and social media platforms alters our cognitive capacities and attention spans, potentially affecting education, creativity, and well-being.

Seaboyer's article argues that readers can reclaim their ability to focus on long-form reading by consciously setting aside distractions, particularly smartphones. She asserts that, contrary to popular belief, the issue isn't necessarily with people's capacity to read novels but with the constant interruptions caused by modern technology. The article encourages readers to be proactive in their efforts to read by developing habits that minimize distractions and improve focus.

The key pieces of evidence Seaboyer presents revolve around the following ideas:

People can still read long-form texts; the difficulty arises when they attempt to do so while being bombarded by digital distractions.

Reading a novel requires sustained attention and deep focus, which many people find difficult in the age of smartphones.

Practical strategies such as setting reading goals, scheduling time to read, and putting the phone away can help readers overcome these distractions and enjoy novels again.

One of the most interesting points in the article is the idea that the human brain, despite being rewired by digital technology, still retains the capacity for deep, focused reading. This point is compelling because it suggests that while modern technology has certainly influenced our attention spans, we are not necessarily doomed to be distracted forever.

I partially agree with the argument presented by Seaboyer but will refine and challenge her perspective in my blog post. While I concur that digital distractions have a negative impact on reading habits, I plan to expand upon her points by examining the role of the environment in shaping reading behavior and the long-term neurological effects of constant digital exposure. I will incorporate research on neuroplasticity to argue that while intentional behavioral changes can improve focus in the short term, consistent digital overload may have long-lasting effects on the brain's ability to engage in sustained attention. My argument will be that while we can regain our focus in the short term, larger structural changes may be needed to combat the pervasive culture of distraction that modern technology encourages.

While Seaboyer argues that readers can reclaim their focus on long-form reading by consciously minimizing distractions, I propose that the solution also lies in redefining our relationship with technology to enhance, rather than hinder, our reading experiences. Graff and Birkenstein (2021) highlight the importance of engaging with existing arguments to develop a nuanced perspective. In this vein, while it is crucial to set aside distractions like smartphones, we can also leverage technology to support our reading habits. For instance, using apps designed to block notifications during reading sessions or employing digital tools that track reading progress can help maintain focus and motivation. Additionally, e-readers with features that mimic the experience of reading a physical book can provide a distraction-free environment. By integrating technology thoughtfully, we can create a balanced approach that not only minimizes interruptions but also enriches our engagement with long-form texts.

They Say: In her article, Seaboyer (2020) argues that the ability to focus on long-form reading, such as novels, can be reclaimed by consciously setting aside distractions, particularly smartphones. She asserts that the issue lies not in people's capacity to read but in the constant interruptions caused by modern technology. Seaboyer encourages readers to proactively develop habits that minimize distractions and improve focus.

I Say: While Seaboyer makes a compelling case for reducing distractions to enhance reading focus, I argue that we should also consider how technology can be harnessed to support our reading endeavors. By using digital tools that block notifications or track reading progress, readers can maintain focus and motivation. Furthermore, e-readers designed to replicate the experience of reading a physical book can offer a distraction-free environment. Thus, rather than viewing technology solely as an obstacle, we can integrate it thoughtfully to enrich our engagement with long-form texts.

To support my argument, I will draw on Nicholas Carr's book,The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains, which discusses how internet usage shapes our cognitive abilities. Carr's research highlights how frequent use of digital devices changes the brain's neural pathways, reducing the ability to engage in deep, focused thought. This supports my argument that while individuals can take steps to mitigate distraction, the cumulative effects of long-term digital exposure have broader, more consequences on reading and cognitive function.