Contemporary Information Environment Research Articles

Enhancing Database Query Performance: Analysis of Indexing Techniques

The need to enhance query performance in databases within the contemporary information environment is crucial for ensuring efficient operations across various domains. This paper is dedicated to an analysis of database indexing techniques aimed at understanding their impact on query performance and efficiency. It meticulously examines various types of indexes, including B-trees, hash tables, and textual indexes, analyzing their advantages and limitations. The investigation into the influence of these techniques on query execution time reveals that performance depends on various factors such as query complexity and data volume. Special attention is given to selecting the optimal index type based on specific database needs and characteristics. The research underscores the importance of considering data volume and database structure in choosing effective indexing methods. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of different indexing techniques are scrutinized, taking into account their impact on query execution speed and efficiency. Of the study indicate that the correct selection and utilization of appropriate indexing strategies can significantly enhance the performance of database management systems, providing swift and efficient access to information for users. Ultimately, this work makes a significant contribution to understanding and practically applying indexing techniques to improve query performance in databases.

Strategies for Combating Adversarial Information Operations: Theory and Practical Applications

In the contemporary information landscape, the proliferation of disinformation and propaganda poses a significant challenge to societal discourse and democratic processes. This paper proposes a multi-disciplinary approach to combatting adversarial information operations, drawing upon theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Theoretical foundations are established through an examination of the Persuasive System Design (PSD) model (Oinas-Kukkonen, 2013) and its parallels with propaganda tactics. By analyzing the shared flaws and vulnerabilities, insights emerge into the manipulation techniques employed by threat actors in online information spaces. Building upon this theoretical framework, the paper presents a proactive strategy for countering disinformation: the development of Early Warning and Control Systems (EWACS). These systems leverage AI-assisted narrative discovery to monitor the digital information landscape continuously. By identifying emerging threats and inauthentic activity, strategic communicators gain valuable insights for crafting counter-narratives and pre-emptive communication strategies. Key components of the proposed approach include deterrence by denial and resilience-building measures. By shifting the cost-gain calculation of adversaries and enhancing societal resilience, the aim is to create an environment where propagandists face increased challenges in achieving their objectives. This paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including governmental organizations, academia, NGOs, and journalists. By harnessing the collective expertise from multiple fields, more effective strategies can be developed to safeguard information integrity and restore public trust. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a convergence of theory and practice in addressing the complex challenges posed by adversarial information operations. By integrating theoretical insights with practical applications, the proposed approach offers a holistic framework for countering disinformation and propaganda in contemporary information environments.

Addressing the challenges in scholarly communication

After twenty years of the open access movement, there has been growth in the uptake of open access, and some progress has been made in achieving its original goals; however, results have been far from satisfactory, with more than half of the research literature still closed (COKI, 2022; Curry, 2018). Moreover, new concerns have arisen, such as questionable quality and the reliability of peer review, in particular predatory publishing. There are also threats to equity, including stratifications of publishing as a consequence of the exclusionary character of the author-pays model of open access, and new risks of bias and exclusion in the means of transparent evaluation (Ross-Hellauer et al., 2022). It is argued that these challenges are the result of the uncritical narratives of openness and their narrow focus on access alone which fail to address inequitable power dynamics, systemic problems and the structural barriers in scholarly publishing and knowledge production (Perry, 2020; ibid.).These cha(lle)nges in the system of scholarly communication, coupled with recent advances in technology and the tectonic transformations in the information environment, require new (pedagogical) approaches and foci that would enable researchers and students to understand and navigate such a complex environment; for this, a holistic and integrative approach to scholarly communication and information literacy is needed (ACRL, 2013; Špiranec, 2015).Scholarly communication, including open access, is impossible without information literacy (Hebrang Grgić, 2016). As they are both concerned with (access to) information, open access and in particular critical information literacy largely share the same goals, ethical dimensions and values of (social and epistemic) justice, equity and democratisation. Indeed, they have been considered instrumental to achieving these, and even proclaimed a panacea and deus ex machina for the current scientific, social and political challenges and crises (Hebrang Grgić, 2016; Kapitzke, 2003). However, literature on the intersections and interplay between open access and information literacy has been limited.This paper seeks to intertwine these two concepts more strongly, for mutual exchange and benefit, by analysing their convergent aspects as well as the role information literacy has in the context of the complexities of the scholarly communication system and in achieving open access. The paper builds on the few empirical studies of the intersections between the two concepts (e.g. Hebrang Grgić (2016) which confirms the importance of ‘open access literacy’), but goes beyond their functional approaches, advocating a more holistic and critical approach to open access to help reinvent it and make a more substantial progress in open access. It argues that the transformations in the information environment and the scholarly communication system require not only basic skills and competences at the core of information literacy but also specific skills of, for instance, managing scientific data and publishing in open access sources. More importantly, what is also required is critical consciousness of all the aspects of the research process including the context, power relationships, and the privileged positions in knowledge production, publishing and dissemination, and an ability to evaluate the quality and reliability of information.The paper proposes critical open access literacy as a pedagogical methodology and strategy to confront the challenges and enable a critical understanding of the contemporary information environment and scholarly communication. In line with the tenets of critical information literacy, critical open access literacy is directed at an analysis and critique of the economic, social, political, legal and technological conditions, aspects and implications of open access and the overall scholarly communication system, as well as the power dynamics, tensions and flaws within them. This will empower students and researchers to navigate this environment successfully and potentially become champions of its transformation to make it more meaningful, reliable, equitable and democratic.

GIS applications for modern-style military operations planning

The primary objective of the article is to reflect the practical necessity and possibilities of using GIS software for planning of military operations in the contemporary information environment. The results analysed by the GIS platforms can be used by the specialists in all fields of operational planning by providing the requested data that can improve the performance of operational planning. The obvious need for the development process of the operational planning system in the context of the adoption of planning procedures appears as an opportunity, especially in the current stage of the reformation of the National Army. The geographical characteristics of the area of operation are thoroughly analysed from all available geographical sources. Until now, the most effective method of determining the geographical features of the terrain in the area of operation was considered to be reading from printed topographic maps, which included a series of additional determinations and analyses that were carried out through complex and long-lasting procedures. Accordingly, this fact was not allowing quick decision-making, and often, erroneous analysis of the terrain could lead to incorrect deductions that required commanders of all levels to make wrong conclusions, accordingly to expose them by orders.

Judging Value in a Time of Information Cacophony: Young Adults, Social media, and the Messiness of do-it-Yourself Expertise

In this paper, we explore U.S. young adults’ strategies for evaluating news and information value within the rapidly changing, increasingly digitalized media environment. We draw on interviews with U.S. young adults conducted between April and November 2020. Based on our findings, we develop the concept of information cacophony to characterize young adults’ experience of the contemporary information environment. Information cacophony is characterized by the jarring noise of many, discordant voices offering up information, under conditions of low media trust and an absence of a pre-defined epistemic hierarchy of sources. We illustrate how the volume and discordance of voices circulating content online makes it difficult for young adults to know what to believe, and show that young peoples’ strategies for evaluating information are deeply entangled with the sociality and emotionality of the experience of information cacophony. We argue that existing theory is not yet well-developed to account for content evaluations and effects resulting from the novel complexities of navigating information cacophony. Existing work remains focused primarily on news exposure and effects, which misses the broader informational context within which young adults find themselves, and evolving strategies for evaluating information.

Perspectives from Journalism Professionals on the Application and Benefits of Constructive Reporting for Addressing Misinformation

The proliferation of misinformation in contemporary information environments contributes to increasing polarization and decreasing trust in institutions and experts, both of which encourage further proliferation of misinformation. Increasing attention has been brought to the role of news media in the spread and uptake of misinformation, and to the role of journalists and news organizations in combatting this spread. Constructive journalism is a relatively new approach to reporting which, among other aims, looks to increase audience engagement, reduce polarization, and provide a more accurate view of events. In early 2020, we interviewed 16 journalism professionals from Europe (UK inclusive), Australia, Africa, and North America across a range formats to explore their perceptions of the use ‘constructive’ reporting strategies to address the spread of misinformation. We used thematic analysis to produce three themes and six subthemes in journalists’ responses, ‘apathy against the machine’, with subthemes ‘journalism as a moderator’, and ‘news and mental health’; ‘standards as shared reality’, with subthemes, ‘pluralism not postmodernism’, and ‘this means information war’; and ‘truth, trust, and the turn to transparency’, with subthemes, ‘facts necessary but not sufficient’, and ‘principles not particulars’. Constructive journalism was thought to address misinformation by increasing engagement with news and institutions, reducing polarization, providing a sense of shared reality amidst increasingly diverse perspectives, increasing trust, and reducing misperceptions encouraged by selection and reporting strategies. Constructive journalism may be a promising approach to addressing the spread and consequences of misinformation, however, empirical work is needed to evaluate the efficacy of the approach.

Manipulation and Propaganda in the Russian Media: The Case of the Vriemia News Programme (2017-2019)

Information is a powerful tool used in any society and by any nation to create excepted perception of reality. Russian information operations have always been a very interesting example of using various media to manipulate international and domestic opinion in support of national (government) objectives. The situation has not changed in the contemporary information environment based on the nation’s experiences and skilful utilization of emerging tools and technologies. Those capabilities are used pragmatically by Kremlin-controlled media to shape the future among younger people. In this respect, the paper is based on research conducted in selected Moscow and Saint Petersburg universities, responsible for educating future generations. The research is based on young adults’ perception of the information provided by Channel One (Russian: Первый канал). This is the most influential and popular television channel controlled by the current government; therefore, it plays a significant role in spreading propaganda to shape the perception of the realm by domestic and foreign audiences alike. The authors conducted research in the years 2017-2019, employing the survey method to find out what is the effect of television-based propaganda type of information to manipulate the recipients. The research revealed that, although the Russian media strongly influences the study group, the respondents recognize the utilization of propaganda, which is founded on a one-sided narrative, and they are not easily manipulated. Moreover, the results presented that there is an interdependence between the favourable opinions about Channel One’s Vriemia news coverage and vulnerability to manipulation and propaganda techniques.

The 22nd Convention of the Media Ecology Association

The 22nd Convention of the Media Ecology Association

The 2019 Venezuelan Blackout and the consequences of cyber uncertainty

In March 2019, Nicolás Maduro claimed that the blackout in Venezuela was caused by U.S. cyber-attacks. This statement was promptly denied by Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State. Irrespective of the truth of Maduro’s allegation, this episode highlights the diplomatic challenges for states in the contemporary information environment, in which contested narratives proliferate and embed themselves more durably because of the deterritoriality and disintermediation of the Internet. This is particularly true in the context of an emerging pattern of state actors conducting cyber operations against critical infrastructure in other states. The cumulative impact of these different strands is that states will likely struggle to control the perception of their intentions in the cyber domain, not only amongst governments but across the many national audiences that comprise the global public sphere. Focusing on Maduro’s allegation, this article analyses the political utility of cyber uncertainty, and its corresponding implications for states’ cyber strategies and decisionmaking.

Correlation Between Personality Traits and Motivation of People Opting for On-Line Dating Service

In the contemporary information environment, on-line dating has its own niche. Due to high speed of living and heavy workload, people have little time for face-to-face communication, which results in a growing number of virtual contacts. The increase in the number of on-line dating services and applications is a matter of particular interest among researches in the field of sociology. Reasons why people opt for on-line dating services are still relatively obscure. The article studies personality traits, motivation and communication features of people who try on-line dating and of those who do not. The methodological basis for this work is reaches by Russian and foreign scientists. The surveys and tests conducted by the authors of the article include a number of field-proven, valid and reliable techniques, which included a proprietary technique. The results enable the authors to get a detailed understanding of correlation between personality traits and motivation of people who prefer online dating: low self-esteem has a negative impact on communication skills and personal motivation.

Selective exposure and the authoritarian dynamic: Evidence from Canada and the United States

This study explores to what extent selective exposure to political messages can produce political (in)tolerance among authoritarians and non-authoritarians. Drawing on a selection-exposure experiment embedded within an online survey conducted in the United States (N = 1978) and Canada (N = 1673), we explore how authoritarians and non-authoritarians react to framing around civil liberties controversies. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a message about a controversial group. In the forced-choice condition, participants were randomly assigned a political or non-political message. In a second condition, participants were given a choice of which message to read more about. The results show that authoritarians who are politically knowledgeable generally avoid messages that promote free speech by consuming non-political information. While messages about the dangers of free speech have the potential to produce more intolerance among authoritarians, we found that this effect was limited to those who are the least likely to consume them when given a choice. By contrast, we found that messages about the risk posed by free speech produced intolerance among non-authoritarians for whom threat-related cognitions were already chronically accessible. The effects of pro-civil liberties messages were limited to unthreatened non-authoritarians. Hence, we conclude that in the contemporary information environment selective exposure can increase polarization around a civil liberties controversy by producing attitude change but this occurs mainly among non-authoritarians.

Counter-governance and ‘post-event prevent’: Regulating rumours, fake news and conspiracy theories in the aftermath of terror

Framed by ongoing debates about both the legitimacy and efficacy of the UK government's Prevent counter-terrorism strategy, this article examines how and why it is resisted and contested in both overt and more nuanced ways. The analysis focuses specifically upon how such contests are manifested in the aftermath of terror events illuminated by two distinct data sources. These are empirical data collected from interviews with policy developers and deliverers, together with material derived from systematic monitoring and assessment of social media following four terror attacks in the UK in 2017. It is suggested that such incidents are singularly important moments because they simultaneously evidence the need for Prevent-type interventions, but also such interventions' apparent failures to stop such violence.A key theme for the article concerns how, situated in the contemporary information environment, a key strand of Prevent work conducted in the wake of terrorist violence involves managing the potential impacts of rumours, conspiracy theories and other disinformation. The management of public perceptions and reputation thus emerge as vital undertakings. Insights from the data are used to develop a more conceptually oriented argument concerning the logics and rationalities of ‘counter-governance’, positioning it in a wider literature on de-centred governance and regulation.

CONTEMPORARY INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN ECOLOGY: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Introduction. The information environment of the society as an integral part of a human habitat is a factor of his health and must comply with safety requirements. As a result of the development of communication technologies on the basis of computer devices and the Internet, there have been significant changes in the information environment of the society and its impact on people. The study of the negative impact of the contemporary information environment on a human cannot be limited to physical and psychophysiological factors. A semantic component of the information itself is significant. Information environment has a negative impact on the cognitive and emotional sphere of his psyche. The object of information influence is the personality. The objective of the paper is to study the formation of the contemporary information and communication environment of the society, the trends in its development, to define its main components and psychological peculiarities. Material and methods. The method of investigation is a comparative analysis of the views of various authors and their theoretical generalization. Results. Based on the analysis of publications, a current understanding of the information and communication environment of the society is presented. The formation of the information environment is connected with the development of technologies and tools for fixing, preserving and transferring social experience. Six stages of the development of the means of the information transferring and preservation in the society are selected. Global informatization of the environment leads to the changes in people’s lives and activities. The picture of the human world, his worldview, his way of life are exposed to the effects of the information traffic. The risk factor is the deterioration of the human adaptation to new conditions. The changes within the individual do not keep up with the rapid changes in technology. Conclusion. In the context of the new information and communication reality the importance of the problems of human ecology was shown to increase. The information environment of a society as an object of the study can be considered in the following aspects: a) as a human habitat; b) as a means of information human activities; c) as a system of communications, including interpersonal ones; d) as an information infrastructure that provides storage, access and use of information arrays.

How Automated Writing Systems Affect the Circulation of Political Information Online

This article argues that fake news is only one instantiation of a shift that literacy studies will need to reckon with to understand how people encounter texts on an everyday basis. It argues that looking at the information ecologies in which fake news circulates reveals a shift to the reliance on computational and automated writing systems to circulate texts and amplify their distribution. The article critically synthesizes existing literature and provides key examples of how algorithms and bots were deployed strategically to pollute the media ecology with fake news in the time immediately preceding the 2016 Presidential election in the United States. The argument ultimately raises a series of questions that literacy studies will need to confront given the influence of computation in contemporary information environments, including asking: how can people engage in responsible discourse in the face of rapidly evolving and exploitable technologies?

Online Information Practices for User Innovation in Data-Rich Environments

Internet has been changing contemporary information environments into being data-rich by with user-generated content. The rich data generated by users on the Internet provide new opportunities for ...

Коммуникационное влияние на современные социальные изменения

<p>В статье анализируется феномен коммуникационной культуры, которая стала движущей силой социальных изменений. Рассматриваются особенности современной информационной среды, механизм коммуникационного влияния. </p>

Experts vs. Novices Tagging Behavior: An Exploratory Analysis

The universe of knowledge is not exclusively put in order by professionals any more. Traditional expert-oriented approaches are supplemented by organically-evolving user-generated approaches known as folksonomies. Their potentials (and disadvantages) as a new form of knowledge organization needs to be critically evaluated and scrutinized. This paper will review the notion of organization of information in contemporary information environments and contribute to findings and research data on tagging and folksonomies. The authors present results of a study in tagging behavior of an expert and novice group of users. By conducting the research on the student population two questions are being explored: a) what are specific differences in tagging behavior between experts and novices, and b) is the expertise acquired by students through course credits enough to create a significant difference in regard to the novice group with no formal education in the area. Differences of the two user groups in tag assignment are being analyzed with regard to tag number and distribution, both by using descriptive statistic and by introducing the tag efficiency measure. The results have shown that different efficiency levels in tag assignment between the two groups indicating that users with more knowledge and expertise could create folksonomies of higher quality.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

Improving the Judicial System to Handle Computer Crime

Improving the Judicial System to Handle Computer Crime

Educating 21st Century LIS Professionals—Needs and Expectations: A Survey of Indian LIS Professionals and Alumni

Library and information science (LIS) education focuses on developing a workforce suitable to the demands of the contemporary information environment. There is a need to audit the LIS curriculum for its relevance to the twenty-first century hybrid environment. This paper analyzes the opinions of young and experienced professionals in India on existing LIS courses ability to meet the demand and increase employability. The paper proposes a general framework to overcome the issues.