HANDOUT/ LECTURE NOTES

Lesson 8: The Information Age

Lesson Objectives:

1. Define Information Age;

2. Characterize the Information Age;
3. Analyze the development of the Information Age Age;
4. Illustrate how social media and the Information Age have impacted human lives and
society;

Activity No.1. Using your web browser, search the following items:

1. Highest mountain in the Philippines:_____________________

2. Largest Province in the Philippines:______________________
3. Biggest Flower in the Philippines:_________________________
4. 2020 Human Population in the Philippines:________________________
5. Longest Beach in the Philippines:_____________________________
6. Father of Information Age __________________________
7. Sexiest woman in PH in year 2011 __________________________
8. Highest Paying Job in PH in 2020 __________________________
9. Most Famous Tiktoker as of today __________________________
10. Most Followed person on Instagram:_______________________

Based on your search results, what are the advantages of using internet browsing in
retrieving information?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

1. What is the Information Age?

• Definition: The Information Age, also known

as the Digital Age, is the period where
information and data have become key
elements in society. It emphasizes the
importance of computers, digital
communication, and the internet in everyday
life.

• Start: Generally recognized as beginning in

the late 20th century, following the Industrial
Age.

• Key Point: It marks a shift from traditional

industries to those focused on information
technology (IT) and digital services.
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2. Robert Harris view’s on the truths about Information Age

A. Information must complete- Information is G. Anything in great demand will be
considered reliable when it provides a counterfeited- When something becomes
complete picture, leaving no essential highly popular or valuable, people often
details out. Without completeness, create fake or low-quality versions to exploit
information might mislead or create that demand.
confusion. H. Ideas are seen as controversial- New or
B. Newer is equated to truer- People often different ideas often face opposition or
believe that the latest information is the skepticism, as they challenge existing beliefs
most accurate, assuming that newer sources and norms.
are more reliable than older ones. I. Undead information walks ever on-
C. Selection is a viewpoint- Choosing what Misinformation or outdated information
information to share reflects a perspective tends to persist and continue circulating,
or bias; what’s selected for presentation even if it’s no longer accurate or relevant.
shows a particular way of looking at things. J. Media presence creates the story- The
D. The media cells what the culture buys- Media media’s attention can shape or even create a
outlets provide content that matches what story by bringing attention to events,
their audiences want, reflecting popular sometimes giving them importance they
interests, beliefs, and values of the time. might not have otherwise.
E. The early word gets the perm– First K. The medium selects the message- The form
impressions tend to stick, meaning early or type of media used affects how
reports or initial information often shape information is interpreted, emphasizing
people’s lasting views on a subject. certain aspects based on the platform or
F. You are what you eat and so is your brain- medium.
Just as food affects physical health, the L. The whole truth is a pursuit- Truth is
information and media we consume impact complex and constantly evolving;
how we think, understand, and make understanding it fully is an ongoing journey
decisions. rather than a simple destination.
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3. Characteristics of the Information Age

• Digitalization: Information is stored, processed, and shared in digital form.

• Connectivity: The internet connects billions of people worldwide, making information

instantly accessible.

• Automation: Increased use of machines and algorithms to perform repetitive tasks.

• Globalization: Borders blur as information flows across countries, impacting cultures and
economies.

• Big Data: The massive amounts of data generated daily are used to make decisions, improve
services, and create new technologies.

4. Four Major Information Revolution

A. Writing Revolution (around 3,000 BCE)

Transition: From oral communication to written records.
Impact: Allowed people to record information, laws, stories, and knowledge, leading to the
rise of civilizations.
Significance: Writing enabled the preservation of knowledge across generations, making
long-term planning and complex societies possible.
B. Printing Revolution (15th century)
Transition: From handwritten texts to mass-produced printed
materials.
Inventor: Johann Gutenberg, with the invention of the
printing press in 1440.
Impact: Books, newspapers, and pamphlets became widely
available, democratizing knowledge and enabling the spread
of ideas across Europe and beyond.
Significance: It supported the Renaissance, Reformation, and
Scientific Revolution by allowing faster dissemination of
knowledge.
C. Electronic Revolution (19th to 20th century)
Transition: From mechanical and print-based communication
to electronic forms.
Key Developments: Telegraph, radio, telephone, and
television.
Impact: Instant communication over long distances became
possible, shrinking the world and changing news,
entertainment, and interpersonal communication.
Significance: Transformed industries and daily life, laying the
groundwork for the modern age of digital communication.
D. Digital or Information Revolution (late 20th century to
present)
Transition: From analog electronic devices to digital
computers and the internet.
Key Technologies: Personal computers, internet, mobile
technology, and social media.
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Impact: Information became widely accessible, connecting billions and transforming

business, education, and social interactions.
Significance: Marked the beginning of the Information Age, where data and digital
technology became central to nearly every aspect of life.

5. Key Development of the Information Age

• 1940s-50s: Early computers, like ENIAC, developed for military and government use.

• 1960s-70s: The rise of personal computers; ARPANET, the precursor to the internet, is
created.

• 1980s-90s: The internet becomes widely accessible, and tech companies (Microsoft, Apple)
expand.

• 2000s-present: Growth of mobile technology, social media, cloud computing, and artificial
intelligence (AI).

6. Impact of Social Media and the Information Age on Society

• Communication: Social media platforms allow instant communication, connecting people

globally. Examples: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
• Information Access: People can instantly access news, educational resources, and diverse
perspectives.

• Economic Opportunities: Online businesses, digital marketing, and remote work have
created new career paths.

• Privacy Concerns: Increased data collection has raised concerns over privacy and
cybersecurity.

• Mental Health: Studies indicate that excessive social media use can affect mental well-
being, leading to issues like anxiety and depression.
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Key Concepts & Events to Remember

• Personal Computers: Revolutionized how individuals interact with technology and access
information.

• Internet Boom: Brought people, companies, and services online, transforming industries.

• Rise of Social Media: Changed social dynamics and introduced new ways of forming and
maintaining relationships.
• Data Privacy: With more personal data online, data security has become a critical issue.

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