The world witnessed a digital revolution with the millennium. Our source of information is now our smartphones. Computer and software technology has advanced greatly. It is possible to access all kinds of information easily and very quickly in the digital environment. Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay states that in the past, those who could not read or write were called ignorant, and today there is a segment of "neo-ignorant" people who are educated but unaware of what they know and what they don't, and who mistake the first information they encounter as correct. Uzbay notes that social media and the internet have become the primary interaction area for neoignorance, and points out that some experts also support the spread of misinformation for the sake of popularity.
Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay, Head of the Department of Internal Medical Sciences and Head of the Department of Medical Pharmacology at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, provided information about neoignorance, which is referred to as the ignorance of the modern age.
Neo-ignorant individuals are unaware of what they know and what they don't know
Stating that with the widespread digitalization and the development of computer and software technologies, it is possible to access all kinds of information easily and very quickly in the digital environment, Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay said, “In the past, 'ignorant' generally referred to a person who could not read or write. Because being able to read written information was very important. Today, literacy has increased worldwide, if we disregard some primitive and underdeveloped communities. On the other hand, networks available on our smartphones or computers have also created their own writing language. It is now possible to convey many things with an emoji. There is also a unique communication language that does not conform to grammar or spelling rules. Here, we encounter the ignorance of the modern age, which is much more widespread than before. Some call this neoignorance, or 'new ignorance'.”
Uzbay stated that neo-ignorant individuals can read and write, adding, “They can even speak a foreign language quite well. They may even have graduated from university. So why are they ignorant? Firstly, because they are unaware of what they know and what they don't know, meaning their limits. Secondly, they are prejudiced about what they know and are absolutely sure of it. The reason for this is that the digital revolution spreads misinformation and disinformation as much as it provides accurate information, and people mistake the first information they encounter as correct. What's worse, they easily comment on every piece of information they read or access, even in specialized fields requiring expertise, and even criticize experts. As a result, neo-ignorant individuals, whose numbers and self-confidence increase daily, are emerging. They think they know everything from health to agriculture, climate to space. However, due to erroneous information, both they and their surroundings can be harmed, and their perceptions are easily manipulated.”
Social media and the internet have become the primary interaction area for neoignorance
Uzbay argued that social media and the internet have become the primary sphere of influence and interaction for neo-ignorant individuals, saying, “When a professor provides information related to their field, this segment, defined as neo-ignorant, who would never have the opportunity to meet in real life, speak over them, or debate with them, can easily join the process via social media and the internet. The digital environment allows them to participate in discussions, even insult, almost with the air of an academician.”
Uzbay added that social media and the internet also provide a suitable environment for misinformation and disinformation, warning, “Here, you encounter erroneous and harmful information as much as correct and useful information. This poses a risk for those without in-depth knowledge, children, and patients when health is concerned.”
Neoignorance is growing stronger and organizing
Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay pointed out that neoignorance is growing stronger and organizing, stating, “The most significant problem is the spread of dirty or erroneous information and the social harms it causes. Sometimes, some academics also support these for various reasons, especially to be popular or gain followers. In this case, society becomes confused. We saw the extent of vaccine hesitancy during the Covid-19 pandemic. A supposedly educated segment, including engineers, architects, and software developers who had no relation to the health field, directly advocated ignorance and received support from some academics. Examples can be multiplied. To give a concrete example of the consequences, measles, which had disappeared from the health agenda due to increased vaccine hesitancy, reappeared and started causing deaths in children.”
Uzbay concluded his remarks by also evaluating the calibration and dosage of experience sharing highlighted by digitalization:
“Law and ethics must intervene in this area. Legal regulations that are fair, do not restrict freedom of thought, but also do not compromise on the spread of misinformation that can harm society, are essential. Furthermore, ethical awareness in society must be developed, and ethical behavior patterns must be rewarded.”