John Dos Passos, in his book "Rosinante to the Road Again," critiques the impact of the typewriter on the dissemination of ideas. He suggests that while the typewriter has enhanced the efficiency of written communication, it has simultaneously fostered the rapid spread of shallow, poorly considered thoughts. This advancement, he argues, has led to a proliferation of information that lacks depth and rigor.
Dos Passos' concern reflects a broader anxiety about the quality of discourse in an age of increasing communication technology. The ability to produce written work quickly can dilute critical thinking, as the emphasis shifts from thoughtful reflection to the mere act of writing. Consequently, this transformation has significant implications for how ideas are formed and shared in society.