What Exactly Is An Information Society?
Today we live in an information society. By this we mean that we live in an ecosystem that is conditioned by the available technology that allows rapid access to and dissemination of information. If we would take a good look around us, we would realize that technological development is everywhere.
These technological innovations mainly relate to information and communication technology. They have become a fundamental pillar for everything around us, starting with the world of education.
The origin of the term
The term ‘information society’ has been used since the 1980s, when the Internet was invented. The term is therefore linked to the transition from an industrial society to a post-industrial society that depends on constant information. Thanks to information, people create knowledge that spreads to create even more knowledge.
Advantages of an information society
An information society has certain cultural, social, economic and communication advantages. The existence of knowledge networks and access to these networks means that we have many sources of information regarding any subject that interests us.
Moreover, the ease with which we can share and distribute any kind of content, as well as globalization, is bringing about a social revolution.
Limitations of an Information Society
The development of an information society depends on a legal framework and adequate regulation. If everything is taken care of, these applications and services will be very beneficial to society. However, if this is not the case, technology could lead to impunity in our society.
On the other hand, this concept, which is constantly growing and changing, must avoid social ruptures. Many platforms force people to use them.
For example, there are more and more processes that can only be performed online. Moreover, this digital divide has a lot of different variants, such as economics, geography, gender, etc.
Information societies as part of everyday life
Until a few years ago, information was just a concept. Later, it started to become a possible option. Today, information is everywhere, especially in the more developed countries.
In the most developed countries, we take this concept for granted, as new generations are born in contexts defined by technological innovation. It is therefore very difficult for these people to imagine a world where these tools do not exist .
The result of this growth is a world full of technology that damages our social skills. Much of what can now be read on screens was previously in people’s minds.
Information societies will continue to evolve in the future. At first glance, this change seems promising, as it can lead to higher levels of sustainability, prosperity, freedom and professional and personal development.
However, it depends on us and how we use the available technologies whether these societies evolve appropriately. So to ensure that we have a better future, we must be technologically responsible.
