By Lilian H. Hill
The information ecosystem refers to the complex network of processes, technologies, individuals, and institutions involved in the creation, distribution, consumption, and regulation of information. It encompasses various elements that interact and influence each other, shaping how information is produced, shared, and used in society. The use of the term ecosystem as a metaphor suggests key properties of environments in which information technology is used. An information ecosystem is a complex system of parts and relationships. It exhibits diversity and experiences continual evolution. Various parts of an ecology coevolve, changing together according to the relationships in the system (Nardi & O’Day, 1999).
While the term Information Ecosystem has been in use in academic circles for more than 20 years, it has penetrated today’s media. The dynamic and often unpredictable information ecosystem we inhabit necessitates renewed focus on the fundamental concepts of that ecosystem (Kuehn, 2022). The relationship between information literacy and the information ecosystem is symbiotic and integral. Information literacy refers to the set of skills and knowledge that allows individuals to effectively find, evaluate, use, and communicate information. It encompasses critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in relation to information handling. The term information ecosystem describes the complex environment in which information is produced, distributed, consumed, and preserved. This includes libraries, databases, media, social networks, and other channels and platforms where information flows.
Burgeoning and rapidly evolving information technologies influence information production and access. While the emphasis should be on the human activities served by information technologies, the truth is that technology is radically changing ways that information is produced, accessed, understood, and applied.
Components of the Information Ecosystem
Multiple constituents work together to produce, distribute, interpret, consume, and regulate information.
Information Producers
· Journalists and Media Organizations: Traditional news outlets, digital news platforms, and independent journalists who gather, verify, and disseminate news.
· Academic and Research Institutions: Universities, research centers, and scholars who produce scholarly articles, studies, and data.
· Government Agencies: Institutions that generate reports, statistics, and public records.
· Businesses and Corporations: Companies that create content for marketing, public relations, and corporate communications.
· Individuals: Citizens who produce content through blogs, social media, and other personal platforms.
Information Distributors
· Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others that facilitate the rapid spread of information.
· Search Engines: Google, Bing, and others that organize and provide access to information.
· Traditional Media: Newspapers, television, radio, and magazines distributing news and entertainment content.
· Online Platforms: Websites, forums, and blogs that host and share various forms of content.
Information Consumers
· General Public: Individuals who consume news, entertainment, educational content, and other forms of information.
· Professionals: Individuals in specific fields who create and rely on specialized information.
· Organizations: Businesses, nonprofits, and governmental bodies that use information for decision-making and strategy.
Regulatory Bodies
· Government Regulators: Agencies that enforce laws and regulations related to media, information privacy, and intellectual property.
· Industry Groups: Organizations that set standards and guidelines for information dissemination and ethical practices.
Dynamics of the Information Ecosystem
Engaging within the information ecosystem requires participating in interrelated activities. Information is generated through research, reporting, personal expression, and other methods. Verification processes, such as fact-checking and peer review, are crucial to ensure accuracy and credibility. Information is distributed through various channels, from traditional media to digital platforms. Access to information is influenced by factors such as digital divide, censorship, and platform algorithms. Individuals consume information based on personal preferences, biases, and social influences. Interpretation of information can vary widely, affecting public opinion and behavior. Consumers provide feedback through comments, shares, likes, and other forms of engagement. This interaction can influence future content production and distribution strategies. Finally, regulatory bodies and ethical standards shape the practices of information producers and distributors. Unfortunately, technological innovations occur more rapidly than regulation and ethical standards. Issues such as misinformation, data privacy, and intellectual property rights are key considerations.
Challenges in the Information Ecosystem
With technological advances, numerous challenges exist, including the rapid spread of mis-and dis-information, information overload, echo chambers, inequities, and increased privacy concerns. The spread of false or misleading information can have significant societal impacts, from influencing elections to public health crises. The vast amount of information can overwhelm consumers, making it difficult to discern credible sources. Algorithms and personalized content can create echo chambers where individuals are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing beliefs. Inequities in access to technology and information resources can exacerbate social and economic disparities. The collection and use of personal data by information platforms raises significant privacy issues.
Artificial Intelligence and the Information Ecosystem
AI systems are reshaping the information ecosystem. Information systems play a crucial role in everyday life by influencing and reorganizing people’s thoughts, actions, social interactions, and identities. Hirvonen et al. (2023) argued that the “affordances of AI systems integrated into search engines, social media platforms, streaming services, and media generation, shape such practices in ways that may, paradoxically, result both in the increase and reduction of diversity of and access to information” (p. 1).
Fleming (2023) indicated that AI tools can create distorted histories and fake profiles, presenting them persuasively as facts. The stakes are escalating daily as rapid advancements in generative AI pose the risk of escalating online hate speech and misinformation to unprecedented levels. These voices are not new, but the global reach of social media allows lies and conspiracy theories to spread instantly worldwide, affecting millions, undermining trust in science, and fostering hatred potent enough to incite violence. Pernice (2019) indicates that the questions of how to (1) effectively safeguard the deliberative process of building political will and (2) preserve the legitimacy of the democratic process against various IT-driven manipulation attempts remains unresolved.
Importance of a Healthy Information Ecosystem
Peterson-Salahuddin (2023) commented that concerns within information ecosystems include (1) ways information production, particularly in mainstream journalism, can lead to information inequity in its representations and (2) the dissemination and retrieval of this journalistic information via algorithmically mediated online systems, such as social media and search platforms, can replicate and reinforce information inequity within the broader information ecosystem. A healthy information ecosystem is essential for informed citizenship, effective governance, and social cohesion. It promotes:
1. Informed Decision-Making: Accurate and reliable information enables individuals and organizations to make informed decisions.
2. Democratic Participation: Access to diverse and credible information supports democratic processes and civic engagement.
3. Social Trust: A trustworthy information ecosystem fosters social trust and cooperation.
4. Innovation and Progress: Access to knowledge and information drives innovation, education, and cultural development.
In a prophetic comment, Nardi and O’Day (1999) indicated that the ecological metaphor conveys a “sense of urgency about the need to take control of our information ecologies, to inject our own values and needs into them so that we are not overwhelmed by some of our technological tools” (p. 49). Maintaining a healthy information ecosystem requires efforts from all stakeholders, including information producers, distributors, consumers, and regulators, to uphold standards of accuracy, fairness, and transparency.
References
Fleming, M. (2023, June 13). Healing Our Troubled Information Ecosystem. Medium. https://melissa-fleming.medium.com/healing-our-troubled-information-ecosystem-cf2e9e8a4bed
Hirvonen, N., Jylhä, V., Lao, Y., & Larsson, S. (2023). Artificial intelligence in the information ecosystem: Affordances for everyday information seeking. Journal of the Association of Information Science Technology, 74(12), 1–14.
Kuehn, E. F. (2022). The information ecosystem concept in information literacy: A theoretical approach and definition. Journal of the Association of Information Science Technology, 74(4), 434-443. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.24733
Nardi, B. A., & O’Day, V. L. (1999). Information ecologies: Using technology with heart. MIT Press.
Pernice, I. (2019, March 5). Protecting the global digital information ecosystem: A practical initiative. Internet Policy Review. https://policyreview.info/articles/news/protecting-global-digital-information-ecosystem-practical-initiative/1386
Peterson-Salahuddin, C. (2024). From information access to production: New perspectives on addressing information inequity in our digital information ecosystem. Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, 1. https://doi-org /10.1002/asi.24879
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