Chit Chat Philosophy

2 Has instant access to information improved things?

1 Of course. Humankind has so much more potential as a result of technologies like the internet.

2 What are the benefits of instantaneous access to information?

1 It is a force multiplier for the human race. We can quickly grasp new information, share ideas, collaborate, and create at-scale works of art. Furthermore, it has advanced all the sciences in ways that would be unimaginable mere decades prior.

2 Can such technology be used for nefarious purposes?

1 There do exist bad actors. But I think the ability to learn quickly cannot be overstated.

2 At what point would the technology prove too corrupt?

1 I do not believe that point exists. The problem you describe is simply an implementation detail. Access to information is not the cause for corruption or disinformation.

2 What is the cause of disinformation?

1 I believe people have not learned to discern fact from fiction on a broad scale. Disinformation occurs when ideas are not challenged.

2 Has the unrestricted access to information made this situation worse or better?

1 It’s true that people are exposed to more ideas than they used to be. Without the skill to process it, perhaps the situation has gotten worse for some people and better for others.

2 Does this change the landscape of the human condition?

1 No. I do not believe so. Humans will always be human in their unique ability for both kindness and cruelty. Hate and love. Information does not change this basal nature.

2 Before the internet, people were often meticulous in their research. Collecting information, following leads, drawing conclusions. Do you think this has been lost?

1 There is nothing that prevents someone from being methodical even today. However, the motivation for seeking information has likely changed. 

2 How so?

1 Culturally, a lot of spaces have centered around the concept of karma. Upvotes and downvotes. Hearts. Likes. Reactions. Many people seek to understand a topic just well enough to make an informed (or inflammatory) argument.

2 Is that the only motivation for seeking knowledge in this era?

1 No. There are truth seekers, learners, educators, and a good deal of well-intended people who seek to collect and disseminate knowledge.

2 This seems to be at odds with your earlier statement that “the motivation for seeking information has likely changed”.

1 I concede to a degree, the categorical motivations are relatively unchanged. I would rephrase it as: the distribution across these categories has largely shifted from positive intent to neutral (and even negative) intent.

2 Do you have an example of this?

1 There are very clear examples of this at all levels of power. People being inflammatory just for the discourse that goes along with it. There are entire platforms dedicated to espousing destructive ideologies and ridiculous perspectives.

2 You claim that a shift in motivation (towards reaction vs. truth) is the cause of disinformation, but earlier you stated that the cause of disinformation is due to a lack of education. How can both of these be true?

1 I do not believe they are mutually exclusive. As a society we have shifted from truth-seeking to reaction-seeking. I’m certain one reason this is so easy for many people to adopt is because they lack the tools to parse inconsistent information. Furthermore, it is hard to know what to trust in an age with so many differing and loud opinions.

2 Despite all this, do you still believe that instantaneous access to information is a force multiplier for humanity?

1 Yes. I am not advocating we ignore the negative aspects of the internet. I am merely stating that, as a mechanism or platform, it has helped humanity grow and can continue to do so if we address some of the identified inadequacies.

2 What happens if we don’t address those inadequacies?

1 There may be a point in the future where this technology proves to be worse for humanity. For example: if its continued abuse leads to any kind of global catastrophe.

2 But we aren’t there yet?

1 I cannot say. True to form – humans are quite capable of both horrifying atrocities and magnificent innovation. We were capable before and are still capable now. The advent of instantaneous access to information does not diminish this. The good and the bad are both magnified. What we do with this powerful technology remains to be seen.

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_{Featured image by Jamie Zawinski}