|
Page1
The Challenge of the Information Age:
We live in the
age of the information revolution, which has taken a quantum leap since the introduction
of computers and the opening up of the Internet. The new information flood is changing the
nature of the society in ways that we have yet to know and for which there is no
precedent. This information revolution is in many respects an information war, with
different groups vying to put their views out to the general public as the truth.
It is often a disinformation war as well, with groups trying to discredit those who
have different views, using the media as their weapon. In
this contest whoever puts out information first usually gains credibility by defining the
field. Whoever puts out information in the most sophisticated and high tech manner has the
best audience in the long run and generally the best success in promoting their agenda. In
the media realm packaging is more important than content and strong assertion takes the
role of real proof.
People tend to believe what is well presented in the media,
even if it is otherwise biased or limited. For this reason various vested interest groups
pour billions of dollars into this information war, with religious and political groups
making great efforts to promote themselves in the new global arena. Advertisement
agencies, public relations firms, and lobbyists are hard at work, often to the highest
bidder, to give a good image and strong media presence to their clients, simply if the
price is right.
Author : David Frawley
|
