* Easy Access to Plagiarism: The abundance of readily available essays, articles, and research papers online makes plagiarism exceptionally easy. Students can readily copy and paste information without detection, circumventing the crucial learning process of research, synthesis, and original thought.
* Superficial Research: The vast amount of information available online tempts students to skim the surface rather than engaging in in-depth analysis. Instead of critically evaluating sources and developing a nuanced understanding of a topic, students may compile a patchwork of loosely connected information, lacking original insight or coherent argumentation.
* Reduced Critical Thinking Skills: The ease of finding pre-written answers diminishes the need for critical thinking and independent problem-solving. Students may become reliant on readily available summaries rather than developing the skills to evaluate information, form their own opinions, and build compelling arguments.
* Inconsistent Source Quality: The internet is a vast repository of information, much of which is unreliable or inaccurate. Students may inadvertently incorporate flawed data or biased viewpoints into their work without properly evaluating the credibility of their sources.
In essence, Rothenberg (hypothetically, as the exact paper isn't identified) would likely argue that while the internet offers incredible research potential, its accessibility has inadvertently led to a decline in the quality of student research due to increased plagiarism, superficiality, and a diminished emphasis on critical thinking skills. The solution, he might suggest, involves teaching students effective research strategies, emphasizing the importance of original thought, and implementing robust plagiarism detection methods.