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The problem with having access to massive amounts of data and information is that it's too easy to see patterns and connections where there may only be noise.
by ap22213 10y ago
The problem with having access to massive amounts of data and information is that it's too easy to see patterns and connections where there may only be noise.
20 years ago, I imagined that access to endless amounts of information would accelerate global enlightenment. Now, new conspiracy theories seem to come out almost daily. And, they quickly get passed around carelessly, especially by my family and friends. It seems too much information just causes a lot of panic and paranoia.
He could very well be right. But, I only wish that there were alternative analyses to consider.
- crawfordcomeaux 10y agoHere's how I think about 24/7 free/cheap access to tons of information: 1. Almost anything can be addictive, including information. 2. Behaviors become part of an addiction by being used to numb or avoid emotional/physical pain, which requires us to ignore our own needs (assuming unpleasant emotions are expressions of needs going unmet). 3. Most cultures don't view things from the perspective of fundamental human needs. 4. We largely suck at addiction treatment. 5. We're living in the Information Age. Therefore, we are living in a world where an addictive thing that's also necessary is so accessible, it's free or negligibly cheap most places in first-world countries, and we're largely clueless about how to deal with it. I share the prediction you made 20 years ago & think we're on the brink of figuring out how to tackle things. I'm just starting to work on my personal attempt at it: fusing mindfulness with design thinking to create tech that doesn't disconnect us.