University of Cebu – Main Campus
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Sanciangko St., Cebu City
Lesson 1: Chapter 4
The Information Age
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson, the learners can:
❑ define the Information Age and explain its significance in shaping
modern society;
❑ analyze the advancements in science and technology during the
Information Age; and
❑ evaluate the societal impact and importance of the Information
Age.
THE INFORMATION AGE
❑ The Information Age - also called the Computer Age, the
Digital Age and the New Media Age - is coupled tightly
with the advent of personal computers.
❑ The Information Age is believed to have started in the last
quarter of the 20th century or mid-20th century and is
characterized by rapid, effortless access, and
management of information through written or digital
publications with the use of computers and computer
networks.
THE INFORMATION AGE
❑ More technological changes, such as the development of
fiber optic cable and faster microprocessors, accelerated
the transmission and processing of information.
❑ The World Wide Web (WWW), used initially by
companies as an electronic billboard for their products
and services, morphed into an interactive consumer
exchange for goods and information.
THE INFORMATION AGE
During the Information Age, which began in the mid-20th century, computers have
become an essential tool for communication. Here are some ways computers have
been used as a communication tool during this era:
❑ Internet: The internet is a global network of computers that allows people to
communicate with each other from anywhere in the world.
❑ Email: Email is a form of electronic communication that allows people to send
messages to each other over the internet, it has largely replaced traditional mail.
❑ Social media: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
have become popular ways for people to communicate with each other.
THE INFORMATION AGE
During the Information Age, which began in the mid-20th century, computers have
become an essential tool for communication. Here are some ways computers have
been used as a communication tool during this era:
❑ Video conferencing: Video conferencing allows people to communicate with each
other in real-time, even if they are in different parts of the world.
❑ Texting: Texting is a form of electronic communication that allows people to send
short messages to each other using their mobile phones.
THE INFORMATION AGE
❑ As man evolved, information and its dissemination
has also evolved in many ways eventually.
❑ Because of the abundance of information, it was
difficult to collect and manage them. During the
1980s, real angst set in.
❑ Richard Wurman called it “Information Anxiety”.
THE INFORMATION AGE
Here are some important things to know about the Information Age
❑ Electronic storage and transmission of information: The
Information Age is characterized by everything concerning the
electronic storage and transmission of information.
❑ Digitization: The digitization of information has had a profound
impact on traditional media businesses, such as book publishing, the
music industry, and television networks. As information is
increasingly described in digital form, businesses across many
industries have sharpened their focus on how to capitalize on the
Information Age.
THE INFORMATION AGE
Here are some important things to know about the Information Age
❑ Networks: The Information Age is characterized by networks, which
allow people and devices to communicate with each other.
❑ Mobility: The Information Age has made it possible to work and
communicate from any location, thanks to mobile devices and
wireless networks.
THE INFORMATION AGE
Here are some important things to know about the Information Age
❑ Knowledge and research: The Information Age has given people
unprecedented access to knowledge and research, thanks to the
internet and other digital tools. This has had a profound impact on
education, research, and innovation.
❑ Accelerating change: The Information Age has led to an age of
innovation and change, with each innovation tending to help make
the next innovation faster.
History of
Information Age
HISTORY OF INFORMATION AGE
Claude Shannon
(1916 – 2001)
Father of Information Theory
HISTORY OF INFORMATION AGE
• Claude Shannon is the Father of Information Theory.
• The Information Age began in the late 20th century and
continues to the present day.
• It refers to the period in Human History.
• According to the United Nations Public Administration
Network, the Information Age was formed by capitalizing
on computer microminiaturization advances, which led to
modernized information systems and internet
communications as the driving force of social evolution.
HISTORY OF INFORMATION AGE
Here are some must-know details about the history of the Information Age:
• The Information Age is often said to have begun in the mid-20th century, with
the development of the transistor and the integrated circuit.
• The development of the personal computer (PC) in the 1970s was a major
turning point in the Information Age, making computing accessible to the
general public.
• The invention of the World Wide Web in 1989 was another major milestone,
making it possible to share information and communicate with people all over
the world.
• The development of the smartphone in the early 2000s has had a major impact
on the Information Age, putting the power of the internet and computing in the
palm of people's hands.
THE INFORMATION AGE
The onset of the Information Age has been linked to the development of the
transistor in 1947, the optical amplifier in 1957, and Unix time, which began
on January 1, 1970. These technological advances have had a significant
impact on the way information is processed and transmitted.
THE EMERGENCE OF FAKE NEWS
• Fake news continues to circulate throughout forms of
print and nonprint media.
• Fake news is becoming viral because there are more and
more people being involved in disseminating them.
• It is easier and more convenient for people to share the
fake news than to actually go over the information and
evaluate for its reliability.
• One more factor that contributes to rapid dissemination of
fake news is confirmation bias.
HOW TO SPOT FAKE NEWS?
The following practical tips from Nagler, C (2017) of
Harvard Division of Continuing Education can help
us spot a fake news.
1. Vet the publisher's credibility: Try to consider
these questions whenever we see an article that
captures our attention.
• Would the publishing site meet the academic citation
standards?
• What is the domain name?
• What is the publication's point of view?
• Who is the author?
HOW TO SPOT FAKE NEWS?
2. Pay attention to quality and timeliness. Notice
spelling errors and dramatic punctuations from
the article. Check if the story is current or
recycled.
3. Check the sources and citations
o How did you find the article?
o Who is (or is not) quoted, and what do they say?
o Is the information available on other sites?
o Can you perform reverse researches and images?
HOW TO SPOT FAKE NEWS?
o A reliable article is usually quoted or posted on
other websites. Library databases can be used for
confirming the credibility of information presented
in an article.
o Also, by checking cited sources you can confirm
that the information presented has been
accurately applied and not modified to satisfy the
author's point of view.
o Images should also be taken into consideration
especially if they seem edited just to conform to
the concept suggested in the article or story.
CYBERBULLYING
o Cyberbullying refers to the act of intimidating, threatening,
harassing, or tormenting someone online, through digital devices or
platforms. It can involve sending hurtful messages, spreading
rumors, posting embarrassing pictures or videos, or even
impersonating someone online to cause them harm.
o Cyberbullying can occur through social media, texting, email, chat
rooms, and other online platforms. The effects of cyberbullying can
be devastating, leading to emotional distress, depression, anxiety,
and in severe cases, suicide.
1. Harassment through social media
platforms: Cyberbullying can be carried
out through social media platforms like
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and
Snapchat. In this case, the victim may
receive threatening, abusive, or
degrading messages or comments on
their posts.
2. Exclusion: Cyberbullying can also
take the form of exclusion, where the
bully makes sure the victim feels left
out of online groups or conversations.
3. Cyberstalking: This is 4. Trolling: Trolling is a form of
where a bully keeps tabs on cyberbullying where the
the victim's online activity, bully posts incendiary
gathers personal comments or messages
information, or even with the sole aim of
harasses the victim through provoking the victim or
other online channels. starting an argument.
5. Revenge porn: This is where intimate and
sensitive pictures that were taken during a
relationship are shared online to humiliate
and embarrass the victim.
6. Sexting: This is where sexually explicit
pictures or videos are shared without the
victim's consent, with the sole aim of
embarrassing them.
7. Online impersonation: Cyberbullies
can create fake profiles using the
victim's name and image to
embarrass them, tarnish their
reputation, or damage their
relationships.
8. Intimidation: Bullies can intimidate
their victims by threatening violence,
or even spreading fake news about
them online.
IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION
AGE IN SOCIETY
• Access to information: The Information Age has made it easier for people to
access information and knowledge. Many books have been translated into
different languages, so people around the world can become more
educated
• Communication: The Information Age has revolutionized the way people
communicate. Many communication services like texting, email, and social
media have developed, making it easier for people to connect with each
other.
IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION
AGE IN SOCIETY
• Higher productivity: Automation and computerization have resulted in
higher productivity in the workforce.
• Entertainment: The Information Age has changed the way people entertain
themselves. People can now watch TV shows, films, play video games, and
listen to music online.
IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION
AGE IN SOCIETY
• Business and commerce: The Information Age has transformed the way
businesses operate. E-commerce has made it possible for businesses to
reach a global audience, and new technologies such as cloud computing
and big data analytics have helped businesses to become more efficient and
productive.
• Education: The Information Age has made it easier for people to learn new
things. People can access educational resources online, and many
universities offer online courses.
IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION
AGE IN SOCIETY
The Information Age brought about many new inventions and
innovations, including the development of communication services like
texting, email, and social media. People could access information and
knowledge easily, and many books have been translated into different
languages, making education more accessible worldwide.
The Information Age is still ongoing, and new technologies are being
developed all the time. It is an exciting time to be alive, and the possibilities for
the future are endless.
IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION
AGE IN SOCIETY
The Information Age is not just a period in human history, but it is also
a period of transition from one era to another. Information will become
necessary but not sufficient for firms to be successful.
The Information Age is still ongoing, and it is interesting to speculate
about what might lie beyond it.
University of Cebu – Main Campus
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Sanciangko St., Cebu City
Lesson 1: Chapter 4
The Information Age
