Difference between revisions of "Information overload"

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==Description==
==Description==
"Information overload refers to the state of having too much information to make a decision or remain informed about a topic." (Wikipedia) Large amounts of currently available information, a high rate of new information being added/changed, contradictions in available information and inefficient methods for comparing and processing information all contribute to information overload.
"Information overload refers to the state of having too much information to make a decision or remain informed about a topic." (Wikipedia) "Effects of too much information include anxiety, poor decision-making, difficulties in memorizing and remembering and a reduced attention span." ([2])
Large amounts of currently available information, a high rate of new information being added/changed, contradictions in available information and inefficient methods for comparing and processing information all contribute to information overload.


==Enablers==
==Enablers==
*Internet
*Large amount of information available: the internet, broadband connections, e-books, spam, e-mail and other communication media et cetera. (Thus, information overload is stromgly enabled by technological advances.)
*Broadband connections
*High rate of change: adding and adjusting information is easier than ever, resulting in even more loss of control.
*E-mail and other communication media
*Signal-to-noise-ratio: the proportion of useful information (which fullfil answers your information need) in all available information diminishes.


==Inhibitors==
==Inhibitors==
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*People tend to think: information is good, the more information I get, the better the decisions I take will be.
*People tend to think: information is good, the more information I get, the better the decisions I take will be.
*The overload might result in resistance to take and process even more information. [1]
*The overload might result in resistance to take and process even more information. [1]
*Much information nowadays answer questions which aren't asked yet. [1]
*Much information nowadays answer questions which aren't asked yet ([1]).


==Experts==
==Experts==
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*http://users.fmg.uva.nl/welving/Information-overload.ppt [1]
*http://users.fmg.uva.nl/welving/Information-overload.ppt [1]
*http://www.w-uh.com/articles/030308-tyranny_of_email.html
*http://www.w-uh.com/articles/030308-tyranny_of_email.html
*http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be/CHINNEG.html [2]

Revision as of 08:03, 26 April 2006

Description

"Information overload refers to the state of having too much information to make a decision or remain informed about a topic." (Wikipedia) "Effects of too much information include anxiety, poor decision-making, difficulties in memorizing and remembering and a reduced attention span." ([2]) Large amounts of currently available information, a high rate of new information being added/changed, contradictions in available information and inefficient methods for comparing and processing information all contribute to information overload.

Enablers

  • Large amount of information available: the internet, broadband connections, e-books, spam, e-mail and other communication media et cetera. (Thus, information overload is stromgly enabled by technological advances.)
  • High rate of change: adding and adjusting information is easier than ever, resulting in even more loss of control.
  • Signal-to-noise-ratio: the proportion of useful information (which fullfil answers your information need) in all available information diminishes.

Inhibitors

  • Price comparing websites
  • Search engines

Paradigms

  • Information overload is a feel. It gives people the feel of loosing control.
  • Since information overload is psychological, it differs from person to person.
  • People tend to think: information is good, the more information I get, the better the decisions I take will be.
  • The overload might result in resistance to take and process even more information. [1]
  • Much information nowadays answer questions which aren't asked yet ([1]).

Experts

Not relevant.

Timing

Started to grow exponentially after WW2; parallel to advances in information and communication technology. This trend will continue, however, there also will be advances (e.g. better search engines, specialized web portals, content managers) which will - at least partially - give back control to the users of information.

Web Resources