In the mainstream literature, the emergence of the information society is interpreted as a tendency to deconstruct large metropolitan areas, and locate new economic activities in a decentralised way. The author argues that inner cities are far from losing their economic importance, although the new forms of communication and conduct create new forms of centres and peripheries in the world system.

Two main scenarios of the information society are discussed and compared in an extensive study. The authors review how other researchers and philosophers interpret the main features of information technology, their relation to the concept of democracy, and particularly to the actors of democracy, i.e. parties, politicians, and citizens.

Restructuring telecommunication industries according to the interests of the new age of information create unemployment and insecurity of jobs. Labour representation has become much more difficult than before. There are examples of "humanitarian" solutions, even if not very widespread.

Philantropic capital, its investment and its distribution have been unduly neglected by the critics of capitalism. The non-profit sector, however, does have a particular "profit", i.e. creating an intellectual and ideological environment favourable for capitalism. The size and scope of this sector in the United States is assessed in the article.

The leading Hungarian expert of the topic highlights the dangers of market and political exploitation of the information environment. Most of these dangers remain hidden from the ordinary public, which otherwise can be very sensitive to issues of personal autonomy A historic overview of the theme is followed by some practical considerations as well as comments on recent institutional change in Hungary.