The Effects of Collaborative Technologies

Abstract

As discussed in previous chapters, one of the main reasons why such explosion of information flow is taking place is the specialization of knowledge. As more and more knowledge is produced on a global scale, the scope of knowledge that is possessed by individuals becomes increasing narrower. Individuals strive to hold in-depth knowledge in a very limited number of fields and subjects, or, in other words, they specialize. Specialization is an involuntary phenomenon, and follows from human cognitive and, most importantly, time limitations. In the information era, those who do not specialize tend to become less competitive, because they do not have the time to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to compete with others in specific fields of knowledge. If you do not believe me, try to think of anyone who could be a top criminal lawyer and, at the same time, an internationally renowned brain surgeon. Even if we are talking about a super-genius here, time constraints will prevent this from happening, as both specialties require years and years of study and focused practice.