August 03, 1998 New Thinking:
What is information?

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• Information cannot be consumed; it can only be shared
• Reproduction of information is generally very cost effective

When information enters the digital realm, the above attributes are even further enhanced. The Internet allows information to be shared all over the world. While it is relatively expensive to create a physical copy of a book or article, there is an almost zero cost to copy a piece of digital information.

It is very interesting to see how dictionaries define “information” and where the word originated.

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines “information” as “the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence.” The word is thought to have come into the English language in the 14th century. The root of “Information” is “inform” which in turn comes from “form.” “Form” finds its origin in the Latin “fōrma” which means, “shape.”

Merriam defines “inform” as “to give character or essence to: to be the characteristic quality of: to communicate knowledge to: to impart information or knowledge.” It defines “form” as “the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its material: the essential nature of a thing as distinguished from its matter.”

Chambers Dictionary defines “form” as a “shape: a mould: something that holds, shapes: a species: a pattern: a mode of being: a mode of arrangement: order: regularity: system, as of government: beauty.” It defines “inform” as “to give form to: to animate or give life to: to impart a quality to: to impart knowledge to.” It defines “information” as “intelligence given: knowledge.”

Webster's Dictionary, 1913 Edition, defines “form” as “The shape and structure of anything, as distinguished from the material of which it is composed; particular disposition or arrangement of matter, giving it individuality or distinctive character; configuration; figure; external appearance.” It defines “inform” as, “To give form or shape to; to give vital organizing power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion.” It defines “information” as “The act of informing, or communicating knowledge or intelligence.”

The above definitions illustrate a number of important points with regard to the meaning of information, and what its role and function is within an information society, on the Internet, and in the digital age in general. They show that:

• Information is as much about form and structure as it is about content
• Information is more a process and activity, and not so much an object
• Information must communicate knowledge and intelligence
• That in many ways the opposite of information is chaos

It is relatively hip to champion chaos and anarchy. However, our journey into civilization has been a challenge of creating sustainable order. Today, we increasingly face that challenge on the Internet.


Gerry McGovern


 

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