Contemporary Society - Evolving Global Information Infrastructure and Information Transfer - page 19

sophistication and diminishing cost of computer technology, additional simulations
of reality may become an integral part of our lives as instructional or informational
tools. For example, we might sit down at a tablet computer or cell phone to take a
virtual tour of Disney World or the city of Seattle before we make a decision to take
a family vacation. Tour topics and brochures are giving way to virtual reality intro-
ductions to places we may want to visit, through electronic tour guides and virtual
tours available online.
Determinate to Indeterminate
Determinate solutions are not possible in a complex society. Nothing has a def-
inite answer. Facts that were once certain are no longer certain. The complexity
in contemporary society leads to insoluble problems. There are few absolutes in
today's world. For example, we ask questions about our society and seek answers
that are not forthcoming. We see criminal behavior and want to know ways that
such behavior can be curbed. We receive news reports of indisputable signs that
our world is experiencing global warming. What are the causes? The United States
engages in a military conflict in Afghanistan; how can the conflict be resolved so
that troops can be returned home and Afghans can administer their own govern-
ment? How can national debt be controlled? How can the size and cost of govern-
ment be controlled?
The solutions of social problems may have been contemplated, addressed, and
resolved more simply in past generations. For example, cures could be found for
polio, smallpox, and other diseases. Public health issues were addressed through
public policy that stopped the spread of disease. The American economy was more
independent from the economies of other countries. Families were fairly stable, but
now we have blended families in which father and mother bring together children
from previous relationships. Even home life has become more complex.
As a result of the complexity in our society, the resolution of problems is much
more complex. Few simple solutions are appropriate; solutions that were once
determinate are now indeterminate. Solutions to social issues are likely to be
short-term rather than long-term. The uncertainties of contemporary life can cause
people to feel overwhelmed by the world and its problems.
Linearly Causal to Mutually Causal
The causes of phenomena have also become more complex. Mutually causal
suggests that there is not a straight-line cause/effect relationship. Influence goes
both ways, and a researcher can influence effects. Whereas A + B = C, we now
may find that A plus B plus C interact simultaneously, dynamically, and nonlinearly.