|
An insider is a member of any group of people of limited number and generally restricted access. The term is used in the context of secret, privileged, hidden or otherwise esoteric information or knowledge: an insider is a "member of the gang" and as such knows things only people in the gang know.
In our complicated and information-rich world, the concept of insider knowledge is popular and pervasive, as a source of direct and useful guidance. An insider is contrasted with an expert: the expert has an in-depth understanding that should lead to a superior opinion, while an insider has first-hand, material knowledge: insider information may be thought of as more accurate and valuable than expert opinion.
Roles
There are many popular cultural roles ascribed to the insider.
In criminal and social justice, whistle-blowing and leaks are seen as (often heroic) efforts of individual insiders to right wrongs by making secret information public, usually in David and Goliath situations (e.g. transgressions of governments or large corporations revealed).
In business, insider trading on the stock market is widely thought of as a source of increased wealth for the privileged few who have access to private business information. This is at times perceived as profiting unfairly at the expense of others, and in some forms is illegal in most countries.
In everyday life, insider knowledge is seen as a source of practical information that is contrary to the common or official advice, in the form of tips from insiders in a wide range of industries. Industry insiders tell consumers what really goes on behind the scenes, and how to take advantage of that knowledge.
In the media, investigative reports, exposés and inside stories are popular genres that usually rely on insiders speaking out, with results ranging from the trivial to the monumentally whistle-blowing.
Definitions
Insider is a fluid term: depending on the usage, it can have strongly positive, negative, or neutral connotations.
Active participation is a defining factor: being a witness alone does not usually make a person an insider.
Two broad classes of insider are commonly recognized: those who are principal players in closely tied groups with specific purposes (e.g. the upper management of a corporation; members of a secret society), and general participants in a particular area of endeavour, like a specific industry or trade, a large company, or a governmental department.
| 
