Computers and writing, some observations

There are a couple of interesting stories out there about how computers are affecting our minds.
One, from Newsweek, is about something called cryptomnesia in which we unconsciously plagiarize material. Although the story doesn't say it, I think our new lives on computers, with all the information we take in, makes it easier for us to subconsciously plagiarize. What the story does say, and this is the most important part, is that journalists must be aware of this possibility and really battle it.

The second story is from the Atlantic. It suggests that extensive use of Google (and I would add other Internet sources) is affecting our concentration and reading habits. For example, the article cites a former College literature graduate who now can't concentrate enough to read books. I find that my concentration levels needed for long-form writing isn't as strong as it used to be, and wonder if that's because I'm spending so much time reading short bursts of information.