The purpose of the Web Research Enlightenment Initiative is to try to reverse this destructive trend. I am not anti-computer. In fact, I am quite a techie. But first and foremost I am a teacher, committed primarily to the intellectual growth of my students. Anything which, in my estimation, hinders that growth, must be dealt with head-on.
Absurd misconceptions surround the Web.
I don't know. Some would argue that it's happened before, with television. The Web is a special case, though, because it impinges directly on the processes of research and writing which are central to undergraduate education. Television may encourage potato-hood. The Web, ironically, can actually be a wonderful research medium, if you know how to use it.