Information overload
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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.
Enablers
- Internet
- Broadband connections
- E-mail and other communication media
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.