ABSTRACT

Any analyst of the contemporary world must acknowledge the tremendously increased presence of information and ICTs. It is evident to anyone, even to those taking only a cursory look, that, for example, there are many more images than ever before and, of course, there is a large range of new media technologies transmitting them. It is also obvious that information networks now traverse the globe, operating in real time and handling volumes of information with an unprecedented velocity, which makes the telegram and telephony of the 1970s appear way out of date. The remarkable ascent of the Internet, such that by the close of the year 2000 nearly one-third (and this fast rising) of all UK households had access, is well known. It is a safe bet that, by the time this book is long in print, the vast majority of British citizens will be able to access the Internet either from their homes or some institution such as the library or office. Similarly, it is impossible to ignore the routine use of word processors and computerised work stations in offices, to be unaware of the spread of computers into children’s games and amusement arcades, to be blind to the expansion of advertising and its metamorphosis into forms such as sports sponsorship, direct mail and corporate image promotion. In short, the ‘information explosion’ is a striking feature of contemporary life and any social analyst who ignores it risks not being taken seriously.