Communication And Truth, A Reflection

By Averthanus L. D’Souza, Goa
Nov. 16, 2006 (CBCI News):

The dawn of the Twenty-first Century has been universally recognized to be the dawn of the communications era. We are living in a post-industrial and a post-technological age. To some social analysts and sociologists, this age is a natural outcome of the industrial and the technological ages which have preceded it.

Like the other ages, one cannot put a definite date to the beginning of this era, because it is not a clear-cut break from the past; nor is it defined by any specific event or occurrence that has taken place. The communications age has dawned on us gradually and almost imperceptibly. However, it can be clearly distinguished by several characteristics and can be described fairly accurately. The rapid increase in the number of users of the telephone; the almost explosive increase in the sales of Television sets; the rapid growth in the sales of video compact discs and DVDs; the most recent invasion of the cell (mobile) telephones, with all the features built into a very handy instrument, which almost makes the Personal Computer obsolete. All these are clear indicators of the coming of the communications era. Marshall McLuhan, one of the most perceptive social analysts of our times rightly declared that the medium has now become the message.

With the rapid growth of internet connections and the mind-boggling multiplication of web sites, we are almost choked by the information overload that has invaded cyberspace. The rate of growth of the instruments of communication available to us is so rapid and so widespread that we sometimes are not even aware of the developments taking place among us.

One of the realities which starkly stare us in the face is the unbelievable pace at which communication technologies are becoming obsolete. We can almost say that “obsolescence” is the main characteristic of the era of communications. With the inclusion of sophisticated features in the mobile handsets, normal cameras, television sets, personal computers and the miles and miles of telephone cables which have been laid, have all become redundant.

Communications technology has outpaced not only the legal systems, but it has also radically affected social interactions. The very language of communication to which we have been accustomed, is now inadequate to communicate what we intend to. Words have changed their meanings. Grammar and syntax have become almost irrelevant. Purists are tearing out their hair in despair at the large-scale decimation of the English language. Social niceties are now redundant and the race to get to the top has become of paramount importance. This phenomenon is paradoxically called “cut-throat competition.”

In his very interesting and captivating book called “Technological Man”, Victor Ferkiss tells us that “Civilizations are based on the interaction of technology and human values.” Human values are the basis on which civilizations survive or die. Technology is only the instrument by which certain objectives are attained. It is very easy to use technology as a weapon instead of as a tool. Witness the technology of nuclear fusion. It can be used to generate electricity which serves the people, or it can be used to make bombs which are frighteningly destructive not only of human beings but also of nature. The moral use of the technology still remains the prerogative of the human person. All of us have read about the monster created by Dr. Frankenstein which ran out of control and became a threat to his own very existence.

Modern communications technologies are also liable to be used in immoral ways which are not only threats to humankinds physical existence, but which are erosive of his moral and spiritual wellbeing. It is common knowledge that the internet provides enough information about explosive substances to enable terrorists to concoct bombs of varying magnitudes of destructiveness. Recent precautions which have been put in place at all airports to prevent explosions in the air include prohibition of carriage of normal cosmetic products such as after-shave lotions and toothpaste.

Theoretically, a terrorist who is unafraid to die in an explosion can concoct an explosive device while traveling in an aeroplane. This development brings to the fore the question of humankind’s ability to use technology positively rather than destructively. In the recent past, only important political authorities – such as Presidents or Prime Ministers – had the authority to “push the button” which would set off nuclear explosions. In today’s world, criminals can “push the buttons” which set off explosions in a city or in a subway transport system which can kill or maim millions of innocent people.

What stares us starkly in the face is the pressing need to upgrade the moral character of people. Technology alone does not ensure better living conditions. Technology used in a responsible way and decidedly for the good of humankind can be a benefit. Technology used by criminals can be far more destructive than the weapons used by armies in previous wars.

The communications revolution which we are witnessing has a corollary. It calls for greater circumspection in the use of this technology, and it calls for enhancement of the moral fibre of modern-day humankind. Never before in his history has Man been more confronted with power which can be used either for the common good or for destruction.. Never before in his history, have moral values been so imperative as at the dawn of the Twenty-first century.

Since civilizations are based on the interaction of technology and human values, it is incumbent on all of us to ensure that all the technologies available to us, including the communications technologies, are subject to and moderated by the values which determine our wellbeing as human persons and as civilized societies.

Averthanus L. D’Souza
D-13, La Marvel Colony
Dona Paula, Goa - 403 004
Tel: (0832) 2453628.