Society 5.0 and the Future of Information Dissemination: A Critical Examination of Scholarship and Practice

This article examines how Society 5.0, a human-centred model that uses advanced technologies to solve social problems is reshaping the way information is created, shared, and used. Society 5.0 applies tools such as artificial intelligence-based healthcare diagnostics, big data analytics for public health and education planning, and internet of things-enabled systems used in smart farming and smart cities to improve the quality of life. The article discusses both the opportunities and challenges related to these technologies. On the positive side, digital systems can expand access to timely and relevant information. However, Society 5.0 also raises concerns such as misinformation, privacy risks, data misuse, and the digital divide. The study highlights the evolving roles of librarians, researchers, journalists, and other information professionals in guiding society towards the responsible and fair use of digital technologies. It emphasises the need for open access, strong digital literacy, ethical frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that technological progress benefits everyone, including underserved and remote communities.