1. Purpose of the Text and How the Author Accomplishes It The purpose of Terry Brown's text is to explore the extent of society’s dependence on technology and the possible consequences of this reliance. The author raises concerns about how overdependence on technology might weaken cognitive abilities, particularly memory and problem-solving skills. Brown accomplishes this by using a mix of personal anecdotes, research studies, and real-world examples. He begins with a relatable story about how he lost his mental math skills due to reliance on calculators, then expands to broader issues like GPS navigation, business productivity, and even the medical field. By citing scientific studies (such as the 2017 University College London study on brain activity and navigation) and expert opinions (like Jim Kwik’s insights on memory training), Brown strengthens his argument that technology, while beneficial, could also have unintended negative effects. 2. Evidence Used to Support the Main Idea The author supports the main idea with various forms of evidence, including: Personal Experience: He shares how he once had strong mental math skills but lost them due to his reliance on technology. Scientific Studies: The UCL study that found GPS use can "switch off" parts of the brain responsible for navigation. Expert Opinions: Jim Kwik’s insights on "digital amnesia," suggesting that excessive reliance on technology weakens memory. Statistics: The mention of $83 billion spent on corporate training and the high percentage of information people forget shortly after learning it. Real-World Examples: The decline in people's ability to recall phone numbers over the years and the potential impact of robotic surgery on future surgeons' manual skills. 3. Challenging or Surprising Ideas One surprising idea in the text is the claim that reliance on GPS can physically change the brain by reducing activity in the hippocampus. The notion that parts of the brain can "switch off" due to underuse is intriguing and raises concerns about long-term cognitive health. Another surprising idea is that future surgeons may lose essential manual skills because of increasing reliance on robotic surgery. This suggests that technological progress, while improving efficiency, might also lead to skill loss in critical fields. 4. Writing Style and Suitability for the Audience The writing style is conversational and engaging, making it accessible to a broad audience. Brown blends humor, rhetorical questions, and personal anecdotes with research and expert opinions, which keeps the tone balanced between casual and informative. The use of informal expressions (e.g., "Hell, my cell even reminds me to go to sleep" and "button-pushing zombies") makes the text relatable, but the inclusion of research studies ensures it remains credible. The mix of casual and formal elements makes the article well-suited for general readers who are interested in technology and its effects on daily life.