Negaresh Series: Authentic News or Fabricated Narratives
A Look Back at Prehistoric Communication
From the carved stones of ancient Iran to the algorithm-curated feeds of the digital age, the way humans share information has transformed beyond recognition. The latest edition of Negaresh at Dana Energy HQ set out to examine what we’ve gained and what we may have lost along the way, with a particular focus on authentic vs fabricated communication in our modern world.
Leading the discussion was Dr. Hamed Vahdatinasab, a prehistorian and anthropologist, with moderation by Farid Hosseinian Tehrani. Under the theme “Mass Communication or False Communication?” the session explored a pressing question in our hyperconnected age: has technology made communication more authentic, or merely faster and more vulnerable to distortion?
The journey began in prehistoric Iran, where rock carvings, stone tools, and clay tablets served as both communication tools and cultural anchors. As Dr. Vahdatinasab explained, these tools were not just about transmitting messages; they shaped collective identity and formed patterns of collaboration across communities, making communication as much about meaning as it was about speed.
The Challenges of the Digital Age
Fast-forward to the present, and the landscape is radically different. Today’s media explosion delivers unprecedented speed, yet quality and authenticity are not guaranteed. The conversation tackled the core tension between belief and technology. “Technology always wins in this arena,” noted Dr. Vahdati-Nassab, before adding that this does not have to signal the loss of culture. By strengthening our connection to Iranian heritage while mastering modern tools such as advanced media platforms and artificial intelligence, we can safeguard the authenticity of our messages in an era of rapid change.
The dialogue bridged millennia, connecting the human need for shared meaning with the realities of AI, biochips, and the digital future. As the discussion concluded, Dr. Vahdatinasab shared several sources for those eager to explore the topic further.
This edition of the Negaresh left participants with a clear message: the bridge between culture and technology can endure only if one side is rooted in authentic identity and the other in the ability to navigate and shape the tools of tomorrow.
Further Reading:
Cultural Anthropology: A Global Perspective – Raymond Scupin
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