Disintermediation of information: A new phenomenon of study for information science

Abstract

This article presents the concept of disintermediation of information. This notion concerns the impression that many subjects have that some information that reaches them is mediated by certain subjects or institutions, but that there would be other information that would reach them without mediation. To discuss the concept, we start with the notions of expert systems and epistemic authority. Next, various phenomena are correlated based on three criteria: those that recognize the legitimacy of epistemic authorities and information mediation institutions (such as fake news and fake science); those who seek to destroy the legitimacy of these institutions (false testimonials, conspiracy theories, hate speech); and the context in which such phenomena occur (disinformation, infodemic, and post-truth). It is concluded that it is necessary to understand the phenomenon of disintermediation, its causes, characteristics and consequences, in order to strengthen institutions that mediate information and recover the necessary confidence for the citizenship and democratic consolidation of contemporary societies.