The information in the modern Age: The Information Needs
The Information Needs
Information Today INC defines information need as the motivation people think and feel to seek information. It is the reason why people go out of their way to find answers to their questions, or solutions to their problems.
Since it is such a broad subject, information needs can be further divided into two, demands and wants according to University of Washington.
Information demands refer to the requirement of information while Information wants deals with the desire to have information.
It is important to distinguish the distinction between two to further understand the concept of information needs. Taylor, (1968) explains that there are four points along the need continuum, first is an actual but unexpressed need, the second is a conscious description of the need, third is a formal statement of the need, and fourth is a comprised need.
According to University of Copenhagen ollege of Information Science, information needs my be prompted by educational, research, professional, cultural, personal, or recreational activities. One the purpose of the need is recognized, identifying when information is needed become easier.
The Communication of Information
If information gives meaning to a subject then, the communication of information is operationally defined by the University of Washington as the transfer of meaning.
Meltzer (1971) said that communication of information requires n understanding of the data. Transferring information from one party to another cannot considered communication of information data is not understood. This calls the need for proper evaluation of data.
This evaluation goes further than just verifying the credibility of information; it also allows one to have a complete understanding of the data before it can be communication. Deciphering the meaning of information is the true task off the Communication of Information.
The Ethical Use of Information
The scholars define ethics as a the branch of philosophy that involves systemizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct.
Ethics gives a predetermined set of guidelines based on a code of morality that people in the society will follow.
While ethics may vary depending on a number of factors, its core remains that same, mankind’s concept of right and wrong.
1. Give credit where credit is due
.The abundance of information is because of the huge number of content contributors. It is important that an individual’s work or knowledge is given credit when someone uses it as material. Failing to recognize them or claiming others’ work, as one can see, is not just unethical; it can also mean legal repercussions.
2. Practice due to diligence
Whenever people come across information, they must validate its authenticity. It is important to find out if the source of information is credible and is based on facts and research. Doing due diligence before accepting information is necessary to filter out false or misleading data.
3. Respect Everyone’s property
It is true that privacy is becoming more and more difficult to uphold in this information age. While users may not have control about what their friends share online, they do have control over what their friends share online, they do have control over what they put out onto virtual space. While it is not wrong to express oneself, it is not necessary that users share every minor detail of their life on social media accounts. This behaviour does not only take up valuable storage space on cyberspace, it also raises security concerns. In addition to this, users should not share personal information about someone else without their consent.
4. Separate facts from opinion
The beauty of information in today’s digital age is its use of the so called big data or content pooling by individuals, but it has also curse. Everyone with access to The Internet can contribute to the web of information. If users decide to do so, then they have to separate facts from opinion. Users should not publish personal beliefs and claim that they are right without proper research. They must only consider information and not abuse it.
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