The Internet is an extension of the mind but so are books. People couldn’t memorize enough knowledge, so there were those faithful volumes of collected information to do the remembering, the reminding. But there are some not-so-subtle differences between the two tools. Readers would have to seek out information in books, whereas the Internet can be the proactive and anticipate what you want to know–what you need to know–before it even occurs to you. The functions are more complicated, as are the concerns. Although I’m in the camp that thinks it’s a huge win in the big picture. From Stephen Shankland’s new CNet article about Google’s planned future shock:

“What it’s now becoming is an extension of your mind, an omnipresent digital assistant that figures out what you need and supplies it before you even realize you need it.

Think of Google diagnosing your daughter’s illness early based on where she’s been, how alert she is, and her skin’s temperature, then driving your car to school to bring her home while you’re at work. Or Google translating an incomprehensible emergency announcement while you’re riding a train in foreign country. Or Google steering your investment portfolio away from a Ponzi scheme.

Google, in essence, becomes a part of you. Imagine Google playing a customized audio commentary based on what you look at while on a tourist trip and then sharing photo highlights with your friends as you go. Or Google taking over your car when it concludes based on your steering response time and blink rate that you’re no longer fit to drive. Or your Google glasses automatically beaming audio and video to the police when you say a phrase that indicates you’re being mugged.

Exciting? I think so. But it’s also, potentially, a profoundly creepy change.”