The Consequences of Poor Information in Our Lives and Society

The spread of poor information can have significant and often unpredictable consequences on both an individual and societal level. The reliance on poor information can lead to flawed ideas, misunderstanding, and even injustice. In this article, we explore the implications of allowing bad information to permeate our communication and its impact on academic integrity, social interactions, and personal well-being.

Introduction to the Basic Process of Communication

The core of any communication can be simplified as:

Information rarr; Idea

Here, information refers to anything that exists or can be imagined, and an idea is any information that is connected to or can be connected to the initial piece of information. By understanding this fundamental process, we gain insights into the consequences of poor information.

The Impact on Idea Quality

When poor information is used, the ideas that result are likely to be flawed and potentially harmful. This is because:

Information Context Dependency: All information depends on context. Misinterpreting the context can lead to incorrect ideas. Misunderstandings: The interconnectivity of ideas means that a single error can cascade into a web of misinformation.

It is crucial to ensure the quality of both information and ideas. This can be achieved through active communication skills such as asking, checking, and describing. Such practices help us clarify and understand the real connections between different pieces of information.

Bad Information and Academic Misconduct

Academic institutions are increasingly relying on digital communication, particularly social media, to evaluate potential students. However, this reliance can lead to unfair and misleading judgments. One notable example relates to the author's experience while applying to the Wright State University Human Factors Psychology PhD program.

Case Study: Poor Information in Admissions Process

The author faced a significant challenge while being evaluated for a PhD program at Wright State University. The situation began when the faculty, including Gordon Gooden, Eschleman, Steele-Johnson, and Bennett, accessed and misinterpreted the author’s Facebook profile. This led to a series of unfortunate events:

Hacked Facebook Account: The author’s Facebook account was hacked many years ago, and the group names were changed to more offensive content. Sexual Harassment: Due to these misinterpretations, the author faced sexual harassment, unwanted attention, and negative comments within the program. Academic Dishonesty: The faculty members, including Gary Burns and Deborah Steele-Johnson, used this misinformation to justify unfavorable grading and treatment towards the author.

Further complicating the situation was the additional harassment from former colleagues and faculty members:

Kevin Eschleman: Arranged the towing of the author's car as a prank. Gene Alarcon: Made harassing phone calls and attempted to use fake information to obtain favors. Scott Deming: Stalked the author and threatened violence.

These experiences highlight the severe consequences that can result from the spread of poor information in a professional setting, particularly within academic and research environments.

The Role of Social Media and Misinformation

It is evident that social media platforms can be breeding grounds for misinformation. Employers and educational institutions often use these platforms to gather information about potential candidates or students. However, the lack of context and the ease of spreading false information can lead to unfair judgments and misrepresentations.

Conclusion: The Critical Importance of Information Quality

Improving the quality of information and ensuring that ideas are based on accurate and reliable data is crucial for a just and fair society. The consequences of poor information can be far-reaching, affecting personal well-being, academic integrity, and social trust. By being mindful of the sources of our information and the importance of good communication practices, we can mitigate these negative consequences and foster a more informed and respectful society.

Keywords: consequences of bad information, information quality, academic dishonesty