title: [On information. An essay].
abstract: We witnessed the stormy development of electronics during the last few years. The effects of this so-called micro-electronic revolution have gradually become noticeable in anyone's everyday life. This will penetrate into all our lives at an accelerated rate during the present century. The computer may be used as an automatic tool or as an independently operating instrument. In the former case (processing of texts and diagrams is an instance to bear in mind), man should see to it that he uses the tool as a creative individual himself. In the latter case, the strong features of the computer should be made use of. These are: Being able to wait patiently and attentively, which may stand in good stead in monitoring and alarming functions. Being able to react rapidly and accurately, a good quality in controlling a variety of well-defined processes in which the human ability to react fails. The ability to cope with and treat large amounts of data, in which the weak side of the computer should be taken into account, namely the assessment and recognition of situations. A good feature of these developments consists in the fact that man can dispose of a capable electronic slave. The unsatisfactory aspect is that a stupid electronic dictator may be imposed on man.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D004493:Education; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D008838:Microcomputers; D009426:Netherlands; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D011788:Quality of Life
vernacular_title: Over informatie. Een essay.