Increasing Knowledge and Uncertainty in Contemporary Society

media can offer various advantages, it also has the potential to jeopardize cultural expression. A small number of large corporations exercise significant influence over mass media and the dissemination of information, making them the primary message bearers. Consequently, people are increasingly aware of rising crime rates and a departure from a more stable and established era known as the 'golden age'. The elderly often reminisce about this time when mutual respect prevailed and individuals could leave their doors unlocked without fear for their safety. (Introductory Chapter DD100, p.)

The portrayal of crime by the media, be it in newspapers or on television, has a profound effect on society, evoking fear and fascination alike. Lately, there has been an uptick in media coverage of severe and violent crimes. Through newspapers and home TV screens, we receive up-to-date information on global events. Nevertheless, reporting about crises, fears, and panics can give the impression that there is widespread turmoil worldwide. This compounds worries about economic stability owing to the sway of global financial shifts.

The value of money in our pockets is now dependent on global financial markets, which has transformed everyday threats that were once considered one-off disturbances. The existence of crime is purely due to societal knowledge and definition of certain behaviors as criminal, leading to an increase in anxiety. Although new technologies are often viewed as a constraint, they play a significant role in cultural globalization and are shaped by knowledgeable societies who create them. As stated in "A globalizing world? Culture, economics, politics" (p80), Globalization and new information communications technology have contributed to the creation of a global society with shared knowledge of issues and possibilities.

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text suggests that the expansion of knowledge can be perilous as it empowers individuals to recognize if they are considered 'disadvantaged' within their community. A person's awareness of their societal standing is crucial in shaping one's identity. Engaging with others allows for people to modify their perception of themselves based on their surroundings, enabling them to portray themselves and others accurately. However, comprehending the intricacies of identity formation within society can make fitting in challenging for some individuals. Social aspects such as family, class, religion, culture, occupation, and nationality all have an impact on a person's sense of individuality within society.

The role of knowledge in shaping societal opinions on factors like gender, race, culture, ethnicity and nationality affects one's identity. This is particularly evident when an individual from a lower income or unemployed group experiences discrimination based on their social class, leading them to perceive themselves as helpless victims (discussed in ‘Questioning identity: gender, class, ethnicity’ (p21)). Society's treatment of people based on their social class can significantly impact one's identity formation. Furthermore, society's increasing focus on medical discoveries has led to anxiety due to the abundance of knowledge around diagnosing illnesses and inadequate treatments for curing them. Additionally, there are daily health risks such as harmful radiation from mobile phones that continue to come to light.

It is commonly believed that some topics are better left unknown. In the past, having knowledge was a sign of power, but now possessing only a small amount of information can be risky if not backed up by evidence. The pursuit of knowledge is highly valued in society, especially in the field of medicine where advances have contributed

to longer lifespans.

Not only has medical science advanced in prolonging life through extended use of life support, but it has also enabled procedures to be performed on unborn infants and increased the survival rates for babies weighing less than one pound outside the womb. Additionally, human civilization has seen significant progress in transportation with the creation of cars, airplanes, and spaceships. With modern technology's rise, people can now access vast amounts of information from their homes through the internet.

The key to enhancing people's lives and society is effectively utilizing fresh information. Disseminating knowledge can lead to numerous advantages, including increased opportunities for fulfilling careers, improved educational tools and training methods, and more convenient access to public services.

Increasing knowledge can enhance inclusion for disadvantaged individuals and regions. Nevertheless, there is some agreement that knowledge expansion also contributes to greater anxiety and unpredictability, rather than promoting liberation and self-expression. This is reflected in the growing rates of criminal activity, employment insecurity in the face of global economic developments, and identity crises among marginalized sectors. Nonetheless, the expansion of knowledge has also presented numerous prospects and alternatives in society, thereby making it challenging to attribute all concerns and uncertainties solely to its growth.

In spite of the increased worry, the incredible creations resulting from knowledge appear to be more significant. However, the argument lacks coherence as a whole. The references used in this discussion include The Open University's DD100 An Introduction to the Social Sciences: Understanding Social Change, with focuses on culture, economics, politics, and knowledge and the social sciences: theory, method, practice.

The Open University's David Goldblatt edited the work, which also credits G. Mooney and B. Kelly.

The text is enclosed in a paragraph tag.The Open University published DD100 Introductory Chapter, written by Goldblatt, D. and Hughes, G. in 2004. The book delves into the issue of crime in the UK and its impact on society.

The Open University published DD100, which is titled "An Introduction to the Social Sciences: Understanding Social Change," as well as "DD100 Questioning identity: gender, class, ethnicity," edited by Kath Woodward in Milton Keynes.