When More Information Isn't a Good Thing

Carl Bialik from the WSJ writes "'Most of the time, speedier, cheaper information allows the economy to produce more from less, often by eliminating mistakes, cutting wasted effort and shrinking doubt,' David Wessel writes in the Wall Street Journal. But better information through technology has a downside; sometimes, efficiency benefits certain players to the detriment of society. One example Wessel cites: software that tells patent litigants which courts have the most favorable historical record for their side. 'It doesn't help the economy produce more goods or services. It creates nothing of beauty or pleasure,' he writes. 'It simply helps someone get a bigger slice of the pie.'"

Comments

Perfect case...

[TheRealMindChild]

Joanna: Oh, what if you get caught? Oh, I, I, I, I just don't know if this is such a good idea. Peter: (angry) Yeah? Well, maybe it wasn't such a good idea for you to sleep with Lumbergh! Joanna: What?! What are you - Oh! All right, Lumbergh... Peter: ARGH!!! Ah God! Lumbergh!! Joanna: Peter! What is wrong with you? That was like to years ago! What, do you know him? Peter: Yeah, I know him!! I know him! He's my boss!! He's my unholy, disgusting, pig of a boss!! Joanna: Oh, he's not that disgusting. Peter: He represents all that is solace and wrong! And you slept with him! Joanna: That is none of your business, ok? I didn't ask you who you slept with before we were together. I don't care!