Understanding the Information Age. The speed and ubiquity of information presents a challenge to any organization. Author Douglas Rushkoff in his book "Present Shock" argues that the information age is destroying our ability to think about the future. He asserts that the information environment creates a fixation on the present. The youngest generation even has an acronym for it: “FOMO” -- "Fear Of Missing Out". Even the U.S. President is pressured to make decisions within a 24-hour-news cycle or less. The obsession with “now” makes leaders believe that they must sustain their credibility based on performance within the shortened news or review cycle. It will be exceedingly difficult to remain steadfast on long-term investments if the Nation cannot resist the stress, pressure, and even public criticism that comes with decisions on short-term adjustments or losses.
