More information, less knowledgements

The contradictions of the presence of new information technologies

Abstract

This article aims to identify some of the characteristics of the new information technologies and their impacts on contemporary social relationships. It analyzes the eighteenth century industrial revolution seeking the distinctive characteristics of the new information technologies. The article identifies a new “techno-economic paradigm” associated with the presence of these new technologies, that is capable to sustain a new pattern of capital accumulation by allowing new forms of appropriation of the generated values and, therefore, new forms of wealth. The materiality of goods would not be the bases of the wealth anymore. The values come through more information contents of goods and services. These new technologies are increasing knowledge centralization, which may involve new challenges as well as opportunities for development