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MISTICA-EN: Democ: does information technology really promote knowledge?

From: Jose Ignacio Lopez ([email protected])
Date: Wed Sep 22 1999 - 15:05:27 AST

************
From: Jose Ignacio Lopez <[email protected]>
Subject: Democ: does information technology really promote knowledge?
Date: 22/09/1999 15:05:27 -0400
Size of the original message in English: 7907 characters, 112 lines
Keywords: Internet, education, information society

Source: Third World Network Features, Kunda Dixit.
CC: Jose Ignacio Lopez <[email protected]>

Abstract:
An immense quantity of information does not represent an answer to the
third world problems in themselves, as sometimes they can be also a synonym
of ignorance. The quantity and the diversity of information widen
the distance between people instead of shortening it. This can induce
intolerance and neutralize cultural identities.
The gigantic flow of information of nowadays can be transformed into
knowledge depending on how it is use. However, the process of t knowledge delivery is controlled by restricted groups. Because of some examples from
the past, we could easily suspect that the Internet cannot contribute to
equality and to democracy. However, several examples prove that the Internet is, thanks to its "global" and "anarchical" structure, a vehicle
of free expression and of connection in the countries where information is
controlled both politically and economically. Finally, CIT can give the best,
as well as the worst outcomes. Everything depends on the way they are used.

URL of the original message in English:
http://funredes.org/mistica/english/emec/production/c4/0019.html

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