We’re now manipulated by information from all over. Hackers on both sides of the Ukraine war, for example, jockey to influence its outcome. Feeds from global social media draw viewers by the millions. How much of the information we imbibe is accurate? How much is generated by artificial intelligence? How much is just plain lies? Most importantly, how do we know?
Perfecting this method of instantaneous electronic communication “contributed to the rapid expansion of the West” during the 19th century and “laid the groundwork for today’s 24/7 mass media culture.” Advances in transportation and communication liberated people from isolation and brought Americans into a global economy.