
In the Age of Information, Ignorance is a choice.
Haseeb Sarwar has done BS (hons) Economics from Government College University Lahore. He has previously qualified Planning Officer, AD Industries, District Population Officer, Tehsildar BPSC
With the invention of Internet and rise of social media, information and knowledge became readily available in sheer volumes. With a single click, people can now access the topics of their interest and learn about it. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and other tools have further brought the knowledge at one’s palm. However, despite immediate accessibility to the door of knowledge, many people inadvertently opt to remain ignorant. They think that ignorance is a bliss as it will shield them from harsh realities of the outside world. Besides, extremity of information also dissuade them from engaging. Even highly educated people are unable to filter out the information that is of importance from the bulk. Moreover, as social learning theory suggests, people learn behavior from others. The influence of one’s clique also keeps one to remain behind in acquiring knowledge. Individuals also do not want their existing beliefs threatened by transformative impact of knowledge. However, ignorance should not be a deliberate choice unless being forced by others. To keep oneself behind in seeking knowledge is against human spirit.

