The Democratization of Technology – and Its Limitation

Abstract

Abstract This chapter shows that nowadays, ordinary people also encounter huge amounts of information. What used to be part of privileged leaders can now be owned by anyone. What has been gathered in the past by dedicated services is now available to almost anyone. The technical tools for access have become cheaper than ever. Infinite information is accessed through the Internet, and people share their explanations and analyses through social media. What used to be strictly confidential information of the secret services is nowadays part of everyday life. A new economy is being created. Professions and industries are disappearing and new ones are emerging as the concept of knowledge acquisition, information processing, “secret” as such is transformed. In the past, government agencies have mobilized through the media, and nowadays people reach out to one another and form crowds in Internet-based social media. “Anyone” can be an influencer, opinion-forming journalist, e.g., through his blog, a revolutionary or a politician. There are risks and dangers: dangerous teachings and thoughts to communities reach the masses through the same channel. The democratization of technology is a formidable challenge to existing political systems that are trying to limit, hinder, people’s suddenly enormous freedom.

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