The Significance of Information in the Ordinary Conduct of Life

Abstract

The information benefit provided to the general public by the developing telecommunications systems will be highly dependent upon the provider's perception of the current and potential role of information in the ordinary interests of life. Assessing this role cannot easily be done by standard questionnaire or survey methods because information does not have a conscious function in people's lives. Some paradigms from the past and present may, therefore, be of use in articulating the everyday importance of information.