Individual, society and state – perspective of constructivism

Objectives The analyses presented in this article cover: 1) problems related to specificity of contemporary communication processes, determining conditions and influencing our ability to view reality; and 2) ambiguities of security culture facing contradictions arising in state-society-citizen relations. Material and methods In order to consider this dilemma, we need to define our starting point and adopt an anti-naturalist perspective, which assumes that the social world is socially constructed. Thus ways of perceiving reality are determined by contextual factors. In order to accomplish such research objective, we need to consider three issues: 1) first we will determine/indicate scopes of meaning and scopes of ties between meanings in the information security category; 2) then we will present, adopting a constructivism perspective, conditions, possibilities and limitations of perceiving reality by individuals; 3) finally, on this background, the author will present selected problems reflected in conditions of the state (the author will analyze the case of liberal democracy). Results In the situation of overwhelming communication acceleration, individuals adjusting to the “rhythm” imposed by technology lose mindfulness and consequently the ability of perceiving reality in a critical way. In this situation, the state / the authority is presented with convenient opportunities of shaping reality according to the demand determined by particular interests. In this way the public sphere is appropriated, individuals are deluded by constructs / pretences giving them appearances of security. Conclusions In the situation described here the problem lies in the simultaneous necessity to ensure openness and transparency of the system through control mechanisms and to guarantee its protection and maintain its efficiency.