The Role of Communicators in 2020

I just read an interesting posting on IABC Cafe by Todd Hattori, ABC. He discusses The Future of the Internet II, an article based on a study conducted by PEW Internet & American Life. Click on the title link above to read the full posting.

The following finding and commentary stood out to me:
(PEW's finding) "Transparency builds a better world, even at the expense of privacy: As sensing, storage and communication technologies get cheaper and better, individuals’ public and private lives will become increasingly “transparent” globally. Everything will be more visible to everyone, with good and bad results. Looking at the big picture - at all of the lives affected on the planet in every way possible - this will make the world a better place by the year 2020. The benefits will outweigh the costs. (46% agree / 49% disagree)

(Hattori's remark) As professional communicators, do we believe we have successfully managed virtual information for our employers and clients? How will we manage increasing amounts of information while reinforcing the value of transparency? What are the ethical challenges and solutions? How will we manage information overload — as if this isn’t already a significant challenge?"

Personally, I would fall within the 46th percentile in agreement with the comment. I believe social media platforms can, will and should increase transparency within corporations. However, the benefits will be met with countless issues and I believe corporate communicators will be left to remedy these issues. But in the end, I feel the benefits will out weigh the faults. Any thoughts?