Parallels between food and information : an explanatory essay

This essay argues that beyond certain level of information supply, the issue is no longer the need for more information, but the ability to use the information. In fact, one-sided emphasis on the supply side of information distracts us from the problem of use of information for the intellectual growth of the users. The discussion is conducted with analogical references to food. An examination of the consumption side of information gives us some insights into the problem of how to supply useful and high quality information to the information receivers. It is a piece of re-thinking about information beyond the context of technology, organisation efficiency and business competitive advantage. It is an exercise in reflecting on issues fundamental to IS including human judgement, the roles of fact, knowledge, reason and human activities.