The Paradox of the Information Age
Just two decades ago — or even a decade and a half ago — access to information was remarkably limited. Many people who needed specific kinds of knowledge had to bend over backwards, being deliberate, discreet and painstaking in their search. From fettered access to today’s vast sea of online information, to the limited availability of computers and smart devices — in fact, everything the so-called Gen Z now takes for granted was once scarce or entirely out of reach to the vast majority of people. If someone who died in that era were to return today, they would struggle to adjust, or even to believe what they see. In recent times, beyond cutting-edge technology making printing faster and more efficient for libraries and institutions, the revolution of the internet and computers has profoundly reshaped the information landscape. What a fortunate generation we are! But does this mean we are more discerning of the truth? Today, a child from a remote corner of the world can access the...
