Information overload

1. What do you mean by information overload?
2. What causes information overload?
3. Why information overload is a problem?

What do you mean by information overload?

Information overload is a state of being overwhelmed by the amount of data presented for one's attention or processing. The term is used to refer not only to situations involving too much data for a given decision but also the constant inundation of data from many sources that is characteristic of modern life.

What causes information overload?

“Information overload occurs when the amount of input to a system exceeds its processing capacity. Decision makers have fairly limited cognitive processing capacity. Consequently, when information overload occurs, it is likely that a reduction in decision quality will occur.”

Why information overload is a problem?

Information overload describes the excess of information available to a person aiming to complete a task or make a decision. This impedes the decision-making process, resulting in a poor (or even no) decision being made.