Unmasking Information Poverty: A Catalyst for Change and the Challenge of Our Time

In a recent conversation, I was struck by the realization of one of my strongest motivators and hidden fears - "Information Poverty" (IP). IP, a deeply harmful phenomenon, impedes citizen participation, fosters misinformation, obstructs communication, increases isolation , hinders on your thinking or decision-making process and perpetuates damaging myths about race, class, politics, wealth building, education, health, business, and community development.

Contributors to IP are diverse, spanning from technological divides to education, language, social class, networks, and community ties. While some suggest that the Age of IoT provides unmatched access to information, the expanding divide is not only due to lack of information, but a deficit in the skills, abilities, and resources required for its efficient access and interpretation.

The ability to assess information quality becomes a critical skill, molding one's perspectives and influencing behaviours. The boundary between consuming accurate news and falling into the trap of misinformation is delicate and critical. In this age rich with information, it's crucial to ensure the representation of authentic public voices and options.

Reflecting on this, I appreciate the immense value of the projects we've delivered at Cognitive Paths. They strive to counteract IP by creating resources, programmes, and services, focusing on curating the overwhelming information that is untold or not well represented. Our objective has been about making information accessible and useful to each project's target audience. These projects develop tools to facilitate information access, guide users towards accurate and reliable information that meets their needs, and enable disadvantaged groups to participate in information creation, public engagement and heritage.

The work we've accomplished has amplified understanding of the effectiveness of these interventions, with a consistent focus on the impact on individuals' lives. These efforts demonstrate that the fight against information poverty is not a lost cause but a challenge we must rise to, one that holds the power to transform lives for the better.

Through ethical journalism and inclusive marketing, we can provide a platform for diverse voices, perspectives, and stories, which are often marginalised or overlooked. By doing so, we can combat IP, facilitate informed citizen participation, and foster a culture of understanding and acceptance. This is not just a step towards achieving social justice, but a leap towards building a society where information is a shared resource, not a privileged commodity.