Paper on Information Overload

Contents

Abstract 3

Introduction 3

Trends across History 4

An Information Overload Framework 5

The Causes 6

The Symptoms 7

Countermeasures 9

Conclusion 10

Bibliography 11

Abstract

In 1971, Herbert Simon, one of the founders of the modern science of Artificial Intelligence wrote:

“In an information rich world, the wealth of information means a dearth of something else: a scarcity of whatever is that information consumes. What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.”

This critical essay explores the truth behind Simon’s observation with regard to the concept of information overload in modern information systems where individuals and organizations thrive. At the end of the discussion, this paper attempts to answer the question if there are enough resources to counter the effects of information overload based on the arguments presented.

Recognizing the abundance of literature available, this discussion is selective at presenting relevant studies on the issue yet is aimed at achieving a balanced overview and at highlighting significant points. This discussion keeps itself within the conceptual framework created by Martin Eppler and Jeanne Mengis (2004) that divides analysis of information overload in three clusters - causes, symptoms, and the countermeasures. The first two clusters are discussed with reference to researches already conducted while the last cluster is illustrated with reference to real-life scenarios.

Introduction

Technology continues to advance each day. This acceleration is associated by an increase in the information needed to keep up with a multitude of developments.  Therefore, an influx is created - “information overload”.

Information overload is a term first mentioned by Bertram Gross (1964, pp. 856). Various definitions have sprung ever since.

In researches done by Chewning & Harrell (1990; pp...