Kind of surprised McLuhan (medium is the message) wasn't referenced in the story. It's helpful to think of these technological innovations as being the message and what that means when you interact with them.

The piece says Carr believes reality can’t compete with "the internet’s steady diet of novelty and shallow, ephemeral rewards".

I disagree. I do think one remedy is reality. I remember turning the corner into St Peter's Basilica and facing the Pietà. Now, I'm not one for being moved by statues, but tears immediately started streaming down my face. I'll never forget this moment. It's seared into my brain.

I'm not saying you have to go to Rome. I'm not saying go travel the world. I'm saying it might be as simple as not pulling out your cell phone (i.e. "the medium") during the concert you're going to tonight.