Key Figures in Computer Science - Donald Watts Davis's groundbreaking contributions include packet switching, which led to internet protocols, computer networks, and the World Wide Web [2][3] - Davis is credited with the first use of AI agents in computer programming [3] The Impact of Information Packaging - Packet switching allows information to be broken down into smaller chunks (packets) for transmission and reassembly, a concept central to digital communications [4] - The internet and the World Wide Web, facilitated by packet switching, have ironically enabled the spread of misinformation and alternative narratives [10] The Challenge of Misinformation - The rise of flat-earthers illustrates a distrust of scientific institutions and a preference for self-sourced information, facilitated by the internet [7][8] - This phenomenon highlights a shift in the power-knowledge dynamic, where knowledge is no longer centrally controlled [8] Generative AI and Education - Large language models (LLMs) possess the ability to generate human-like text, but their comprehension is limited to a corpus of online text, primarily from the English-speaking world [12][13] - LLMs in education may short-circuit students' ability to learn, think critically, and struggle with problem-solving, prioritizing convenience over genuine learning [16][17] - Students may shift from solving problems to reproducing solutions provided by LLMs, hindering the development of essential skills [18] Democratization of Knowledge vs Learning - The digital age presents a double-edged sword: the democratization of knowledge alongside potential downsides to human learning [21][22] - Students' reliance on LLMs reflects a sentiment of not needing academic instruction, drawing a parallel to the self-reliance of flat-earthers [20]