The Information Age and Society

Learning Outcomes

• Determine human and social impacts of the information age
• Discuss technology evolution from ancient times to present
• Illustrate how social media impacts lives

The Information Age (Digital Age)

• Also known as the New Media Age
• Began in the last quarter of the 20th century
• Characterized by readily available information through publications and computer/networks
• Focus of science and technology shifted to information handling and conveyance

Advances in Biology

• Genetics revolutionized information science (recombinant DNA)
• The immune system functions as an information processing system

Information & Society

• Before: People were seen as mechanical; labor focused on manufacturing
• Now: People are viewed as complex computers; labor focused on services

Information Literacy

• Ability to access, evaluate, organize, and use information from various sources

Computer Literacy

• Ability to use computer hardware and software to complete tasks

Information Literacy vs. Computer Literacy

• Information literacy: Finding and evaluating information for accuracy, currency, and bias.
• Computer literacy: Using contemporary hardware and software and adapting to new tech

Information & Globalization

• Communication became inexpensive (new phone systems and internet)
• Changed how people work: information-based work, business trends, global banking, and scientific research

Problems with Information Age

• Infringement of personal privacy
• Excessive computer use in teaching young children can hinder development
• "Knowledge" replaced by "data"; data lacks the context of ideas

Facts on the Information Age

• Information must compete
• Newer information is often equated with greater truth
• Selection, like viewpoints, is subjective
• Media reflects cultural values
• Early information (words, etc.) have significant impact on the brain
• Anything in great demand may become counterfeited
• Ideas are frequently deemed controversial
• Media creates a narrative, and the medium dictates the message
• Entire truth remains a pursuit

Reflection

• Social media risks dissemination of false information
• Students need to use social media responsibly to avoid spreading misinformation

What Brought Us Here? (Information Age Timeline)

• Progression of technology over time (from flags and torches to the internet, etc.)

Gutenberg's Printing Press

• Johannes Gutenberg's printing press applied pressure to inked surfaces on paper or cloth to transfer ink (a method of transferring ink to some surface)

Enigma Machine

• A mechanical device used for encryption during World War II by the German Navy
• Solved by British mathematicians

A Generation with "Electronic Brains"

• A generation (in 1970's) desired personal computers
• Individuals like Steve Wozniak built simple computers (Apple I)
• Companies like Microsoft developed software for computers.

From 1973 Onwards (Social Media)

• Multi-user chat rooms and instant messaging became popular
• Messaging apps, conferencing systems, and e-mail exchanging were introduced
• Game-based, business-oriented, and social networking websites emerge

Blogging Platforms etc

• Platforms for blogs, image/video hosting, discovery/dating, video sharing, and real-time social media feed aggregators expanded information access.
• Social networking sites, photo/video sharing, and question-answer platforms added further complexity.

Group Activity : Hacking

• Background: Substitution cipher encryption method; letters replaced systematically

This quiz explores the human and social impacts of the Information Age, highlighting the evolution of technology from ancient times to the present. It discusses how social media influences our lives and the advancements in biology related to information processing. Test your knowledge on key concepts and literacy in the digital age!