Debate Topic: Does Technology "Impoverish" the Mind?

There is nothing of this world, or "out of this world" that can impoverish any mind which isn't already so unfortunately disposed. And the only condition that I can fathom would so dispose one's mind is not that of the mind, but of the will. Fortunately, where there is a will, there is a way to exert choice. Choice and control. And what is technology but the means by which we seek to use and control our environment, and the elements contained therein? One might even argue, depending on one's opinion on the forces behind nature, that humanity itself is a function of nature's technology!

For at least as long as there has been this thing called sentience, and thus choice, there has been technology. Clothes are technology. Weapons are technology (such as they are!). Medicine is technology. Controlled and/or deliberately generated fire is technology. The abacus was technology. Language is technology. We humans - and all animals! - have adapted to (and adapted outright!) our environments for our own survival, comfort, and utility.

Alright, so as to avoid any allegations of coyness on my part, I'll get to the CONNOTED meaning of the question. Does our digitized and ever more accessible and communicable world, made so often functionally reducible to bits and bytes and zeros and ones, at least in terms of the currency we now so often use to interact with - well, engage anyway - each other thus squelch or inhibit cognitive development?

It does not. I think this question, or a culturally relevant version of it, gets posed anew every generation or so. It seems to be the age old "man versus machine" faux-conflict that seems just so deliciously tempting, that it must be alleged, with a tone that sometimes reaches an apocalyptic frenzy and fervor.

Anyone who remembers Planet of the Apes - no no, the REAL mccoy, with Charlton Heston, will recall the unabashedly political and overtly topical (for its time) and preachy dialogue, and the over-the-top, old-school melodrama in Heston's delivery. "Dahhmmmm you! Dahhhmmmmm you ahllll to hehhhllllll!"