In her observation, Susan Cooper highlights a troubling trend in the realm of arts criticism over the past two decades, particularly in America. She expresses concern that the influence of technological advancements has led to an inappropriate adoption of scientific language and methods within the arts, diluting the essence of artistic critique. This shift, she believes, undermines the unique qualities that define artistic evaluation.

Cooper points out that this phenomenon is not limited to fringe fields such as psychology and social studies; it has permeated the work of established arts scholars. By aligning their critiques with the jargon of science and engineering, critics may inadvertently compromise the integrity of the artistic discourse, steering it away from its fundamental purpose of understanding and appreciating the arts.