Disinformation on Demand

As mentioned in my previous post, the ability to access information from a mobile device has changed the nature of our arguments permanently. Often, access to this information can either increase the pace in which the argument progresses or slows the argument as each person in the argument may seek credible sources. The ability to access information from a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet has become a burden in some ways to daily discourse. People may become too prone to access information in order to gain the upper hand in petty arguments. Far too often I find people researching irrelevant information regarding subjects that are of little to no importance. These arguments may consist of as who played what role in a movie or how far a destination may be from where you are currently standing. In this way instant access to information from mobile devices has created an information overload that has slowed or distracted daily conversation. It is no longer uncommon to see people talking to each other as they are engrossed staring into their smartphones. In this way we become removed from each other and the true meaning of face to face interaction. Face to face conversation has become a channel in which we are still removed from reality. The importance of critical thinking and original thoughts has diminished because of this instant access. As I mentioned in my previous post, many people have assumed that access to any information is good information. The unfortunate reality is that this information is often disinformation or poorly conceived thoughts from questionable sources. Many times people engaged in arguments simply regurgitate this bad information and repeat it until it becomes what they believe to be truth. The cumulative impact of this is the spread and popularization of extreme or sensationalist ideas. Ideas and movements such as 9/11 truth have gained prominence outside of mainstream media because of the internet. These extreme ideas are easier to back up in arguments when they have instant access to their information whereas opposing ideas may not. These extreme movements have capitalized on mobile access to information through documentaries and blogs. Unfortunately the people providing these ideas can not be properly vetted through the chaotic environment of the internet, so these ideas will continue to persist in arguments where access to information is instant. Hopefully this trend can be met with equally accessible credible information.