Information Overload
by Nitrozac & Snaggy
We receive content in so many different formats, at any given time, and the constant stream of information can at times be too much to handle. Information overload refers to the excess of information we receive daily through all kinds of mediums and the individual’s difficulty in processing and assessing validity towards that information. Information overload is a serious issue that I think more people should consider. For instance,
Researchers now say that the stress of not being able to process information as fast as it arrives – combined with the personal and social expectation that, say, you will answer every email – can deplete and demoralize you.
Studies also suggest that the bombardment of information lowers people’s intelligence and causes other detrimental work habits. Some people may not be susceptible to information overload. There are those who feed off the constant flow of information and without it can feel lost. These feelings would be categorized with information addiction.
I believe that one of the notable consequences of information overload is that it can blur the line between work and play. Many people face information overload in regards to email. Coworkers may be vying for your attention and have questions for you and will send these to you any time of day. When you’re always connected to the network your employer can always get in touch with you. Because of this, I don’t think there’s a great deal of respect for traditional work hours anymore. We are bombarded with so many different distractions it is difficult to recover from these interruptions and refocus our attention to the task at hand. Studies also show that there is “reduced creative activity when work is fragmented by interruption”.
There have been steps to fight information overload. One suggestion by Jerry Michalaski is to “trust your community to filter and flow the right things to you when you need them.” This works exceptionally via Twitter. There have been efforts in software that prioritizes email for users. A Google engineer has also designed a helpful tool for email addicts, by shutting down gmail for the user and prompting them to take a break. Information overload has been around for a long time and the only way to combat it is through filters. It’s important we research filtering technology to learn how to navigate the digital information landscape.
Source: Information Overload (The Guardian, UK)
