With the spread of smartphones and the Internet, we live in an information society in which anyone can instantly obtain and transmit information. However, convenience also has drawbacks.
Basic Knowledge
With the development of information and communication technology (ICT), social media, video streaming, online shopping, and cashless payments have become part of daily life. The use of AI (artificial intelligence) and big data is also advancing, changing society in many fields, including medicine・agriculture・disaster prevention.
On the other hand, new problems have emerged, including leaks of personal information, fake news, cyberbullying, and the information gap (digital divide). The ability to correctly understand and use information, called media literacy, is important.
Information society (a society in which information has great value and ICT forms the foundation of daily life)
ICT (Information and Communication Technology＝information and communication technology)
Media literacy (the ability to read information critically and use it appropriately)
Act on the Protection of Personal Information (a law establishing rules for handling information that can identify individuals)
AI (artificial intelligence. Computer technology that performs learning・reasoning・judgment)
Information gap (the gap between people who can and cannot use digital devices)
Further Study (Background・Significance)
Information technology has changed the industrial structure and increased the importance of the tertiary sector (especially information and service industries). AI assists human work in areas such as medical diagnosis, automated driving, and translation, while its effects on employment are also being debated.
Social media has strengthened individuals' ability to communicate, but the spread of false information can cause serious confusion in society. Those who transmit information also have a responsibility, and it is essential to respect copyright and privacy.
- ICT = information and communication technology
- Media literacy = the ability to read information critically
- Privacy is protected by the Act on the Protection of Personal Information
- AI・big data are transforming society
- Consideration for the information gap (digital divide)
- Ability to judge without being misled by fake news
- Respect for copyright・portrait rights
Points to Note (Easily Confused)
① Copyright is the right to a creative work, while portrait rights are the right not to have one's appearance used without permission. ② The Act on the Protection of Personal Information applies to business operators. ③ Information literacy is the ability to use information, while media literacy is the ability to understand information from the media. ④ AI is not all-powerful and may make incorrect judgments because of biased data.
Practice
- Explain what media literacy is.
- What is another name for the information gap?
- What right is violated when someone posts another person's photograph on social media without permission?