Information – most valuable commodity
Information is the most valuable commodity in life and business, but how do we gather it?
How do you assess the information source and information reliability?
How do we conduct our own research and production?
Do you go to Google first, or do you believe what other people tell you?
Imagine getting all of your information from a single source: web platforms, internet and social media platforms.
Doesn’t it sound enticing and convenient?
Working with people is an important element of what I do, and information and knowledge are the lifeblood of everything especially when it comes to corporate decisions, takeovers, strategic and tactical operations on the ground, and so on.
If you have the appropriate information at the right time from the right source, you will have an advantage.
When information is received in a certain context, it is a set of data with a defined meaning and a core communication element that broadens the recipient’s knowledge.
Knowledge can be gained by experience, education, or information.
Information, one of the essential principles and the foundation of all growth, has evolved during the last 50 years as a critical tool for the advancement of civilisation as a whole.
People make key decisions, direct their actions, carry out everyday responsibilities, plan for the future, develop mutual relationships, achieve agreements, and problem-solving using information as an aid.
Quality Analysis of information
The process of analysing data and contextualising it results in the development of information.
Quality information has characteristics such as correctness, completeness, relevance, and timeliness.
If information accurately portrays the current situation, it is accurate. When accessing a new information source, we should be sceptical until we confirm the offered information and ensure that it is true.
Completeness:
- Information is complete when it accurately depicts the current situation and there is nothing left to exclude. It is also objective information because complete information does not ignore negative facts.
- Comparing information from many sources allows one to establish whether the information is complete.
- Information is appropriate (relevant) if it is appropriate for the situation and the person receiving it.
- Information is considered timely if it is obtained on time.
Web of Deception
Before the Internet, there were only a few options for disseminating information.
Books and magazines had a finite shelf life, whilst radio and newspapers could only be heard in a limited geographic area.
Due to contemporary technologies, the Internet makes information available to everyone.
The internet is a tremendous source of information.
It’s also referred to as the Web of Deception. It has become highly common to disseminate false information using Internet communication channels.
With the advent of social media, every user is suddenly a self-publisher, with no editing, fact-checking, or accountability. For millions of people, seeing the facts on their computer screen proves that the information is correct, even if it is presented without authority.
Social media has changed the world. These tools are being widely and swiftly adopted, which is changing the way we organise to demand political change, find partners, and get news.
Who makes use of social media?
Everybody.
When did social media become popular, and how has that number changed over time?
Social media serves many distinct functions, yet they all work towards the same goal. The major goal and way of life of social media is sharing. Individuals can share information and thoughts.
Nobody is forced to read anything on social media since each user has complete control over what they view.
The user of social media has control over what information they see, what information they click on to learn more about, what information they believe, who they accept messages from, and whether or not their profile remains active.
Social media is used to disseminate information.
Depending on who is delivering the information, it could be true, false, or from the author’s point of view. Although determining the accuracy of content might be difficult, most local and national news profiles does contain factual information.
It is the obligation of major news organisations to ensure that the information they publish is correct and reliable.
False information can spread accidently or on purpose.
Thousands of social media users accidentally published erroneous information as well. Users of social media can disseminate information or share news that appears in their news feeds without checking its authenticity and veracity.
According to recent research, 59 percent of social media users share articles simply based on the title of the piece rather than reading the content.
Social media has the potential to positively impact society. Millions of people now have a voice and the capacity to share information they believe is essential and relevant thanks to social media.
Giving so many individuals a voice has had the unintended consequence of spreading incorrect information while appearing to be accurate. Social media information has the capacity to change someone’s or a group’s worldview.
Social media has had a tremendous impact on how the younger generation of society obtains newsworthy information from reliable and slanted sources.
The days of waiting for a news item to come on television or in the daily newspaper are long gone. Information is available on social media 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
We understand how important it is to stay in touch and informed in today’s environment. Because the information is beneficial to whoever obtains it.
However, the speed provides us with the dependability and validity of that information.
Even though I am an ardent user of social networks and use them in my daily business and life, the information I received in person has always been the most reliable information for me.
This is because people’s nonverbal communication considerably aids in recognising little indicators of truth and deception.
This post was written by Mario Bekes