We live in an age where we get instant access to limitless information. Thanks to advancements in technology, the rapid growth of digital content and tools have changed how we consume, create, and disseminate information. Even though global participation in the Digital Age remains uneven, a lot of people are able to access and contribute digital content every day.
These are all proven to make people’s lives easier and more convenient. With a few clicks and scrolls, one can freely roam the World Wide Web. In addition, the power of technology and information sharing does not stop online. Applications and software are being developed to be used as a platform where you can share and modify your work wherever you are in the globe.
Let’s further discuss the many platforms and means of information sharing.
Social Media
Today, people access information not only through traditional means, like printed materials, but also from sources in different file formats available on the Internet, especially social networking sites.
In a study entitled Social Media as Information Source: Undergraduates’ Use and Evaluation Behavior that was published in Wiley Online Library, results suggested that 70% of users — comprising mostly of teens and young adults — use or have an account in social networking sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Surprisingly, social media gained its popularity as a source of information due to its accessibility, features, and function. Information travel so fast — from one person to a mass audience — that when a social media user posted something significant, that post will become “trending” or garner substantial attention instantly.
The same study revealed that Wikipedia is the most used social media site to go for information, reportedly being utilized by 98% of the participants. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Myspace are also popular choices of the participants to get their information.
Moreover, even though social media is the top choice of getting information, the responsibility to know the credibility and truthfulness of sources lie in each and everyone’s shoulders. It is important to become savvy and literate in identifying fake news and false information, especially with a platform in which the contributors’ reliability is unknown and unproven.
Open Source Software
Open source applications and software refer to any program that allows users to modify, share, and enhance its source code. Source codes are the building blocks of an application. Accordingly, the main functionality of an open source software lies in its source codes. In addition, by removing barriers between innovators and permitting users to do modifications, open source encourages a free exchange of ideas within a community to drive creative, scientific, and technological advancement.
An open source is an effective tool for sharing information. In addition, open source applications are cost-effective because of the idea of technological collaboration. For instance, when a writer who is based in the Philippines contributed content with the use of an open source application like WordPress, then another writer in the U.S. can also access the work and contribute their thoughts.
Open source does not only cater to such programs. In fact, there are applications with special features on ensuring the security, control, monitoring, and processing of real-time data. A good example of this type of open source application is SCADA, which is often used in online traffic and security monitoring.
Technological discoveries are limitless and information sharing has paved the way for a brighter future in which the whole world can be a more unified nation. With that, keep in mind the famous superhero line that “with great power comes great responsibility.” Be careful and keen with the truthfulness and accuracy of the information you’ll be sharing to the public.
