Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On November 26, the planet celebrates World Information Day, established in 1994 at the initiative of UNESCO and the International Informatization Academy. This date is a call to reflect on an era when information is as necessary as air, but becomes dangerous if handled thoughtlessly.
Almost three decades ago, to find answers to questions, you had to go to the library, buy newspapers at the newsstand, or wait for the evening TV news. Today, all of humanity's knowledge fits on a smartphone: information is no longer scarce; it has become a constant flow—endless, noisy, and sometimes toxic. It's easy to drown in it: fakes spread faster than the truth, algorithms select what evokes emotion rather than what's important, and personal data becomes a black market commodity. In such an environment, we need to not simply consume, but consciously choose what to believe. And the most valuable skill of the 21st century is information literacy—the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, think critically, seek out primary sources, and resist the temptation to share loud but empty headlines.
Of course, access to knowledge is an opportunity that should be equal for everyone, regardless of age, profession, or place of residence. But it's important to know what to do with it. Digital hygiene isn't just about passwords and antivirus software; it's also about the quality of your attention, the ability to disconnect from your feed, thoughtfully read a long article or book, and talk to someone other than through a screen. Because the most reliable test of emotion is a live conversation that takes place over a cup of tea, in a library, or among friends, where opinions collide and deepen. So, calm, quiet, ad-free spaces like libraries and hobby clubs have transformed from artifacts of the past into a kind of anchor in the midst of the digital storm.
In short, information literacy doesn't mean knowing everything. It's understanding what to trust and what to ignore, the ability to navigate the flow without losing yourself, and the courage to think for yourself. New challenges lie ahead, along with ever more sophisticated technologies and forms of deception. But one thing remains constant: the best school of critical thinking is a good book and sincere conversation. Let's take a break today: check the source, unsubscribe, and check out the library. And remember: information is neither an enemy nor a god, but merely a tool. And what it becomes depends only on us.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 26, 2025.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.