Every day, Internet users are literally bombarded with data, making it impossible at times to complete work tasks or home tasks due to technological distraction. An article published last year by the Harvard Business Review further backs this overload of content problem with figures. According to Harvard Business Review, we produce more Internet data every second compared to the entire Internet’s storage of date 20 years ago. That is astounding, so it’s no wonder that we’re now dealing with this issue.
History of Information Overload
This is actually not a new phenomenon. In fact, this issue dates back to “movable type” and printed matter. Further technologies later exasperated information overload by allowing instant access to data through digitalized content. The barriers of printing presses were removed, allowing for the instant publishing of new content.
And as many content creators and future content creators caught onto just how invaluable the Internet actually is for the delivering of new content to users, the competition began. Now, with so many bloggers and businesses scrambling to create and publish new content, we have bombarded ourselves with a deluge of data and content.
Problems Associated with Information Overload
Some common problems with this phenomenon include:
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling distracted
- Problems with overall wellbeing
- Problems with decision-making
- Interruptions of work tasks
- Loss of revenue for businesses
- Interruptions of home tasks
According to recent research of this problem, the above effects have been linked to an overload of information. Relating to business, an overload of information is known to lead to a reduction in productivity and difficulty making decisions. One study found that it took an average of 25 minutes for many workers to return to work following an e-mail or RSS feed interruption.
However, with that said, many users and workers recognize the issue at hand, but are at a loss as to how to overcome this problem. Because many feel that keeping up with the latest information and research is also an integral part of their job. That’s where recovery techniques come into play to help overcome an overload of information. Learn how to overcome this problem with tips and believe it or not, more technology.
How to Recover from Information Overload
Tips for the user bombarded with too much information:
- Improve self-control of the impulse to check your e-mail while you’re busy working on something else.
- Prioritize data.
- Set time limits for viewing new data.
- Set schedules for data access that will not interfere with your work schedule.
- Allow the latest technologies available to help you do all of the above to help you improve self-control and prioritize data.
Content Marketing Strategies to Overcome Information Overload
Activity Streams: By subscribing to Activity Streams, you could help to reduce an overload of information, because when you receive a list of recent activities to a user or business that you have subscribed to, you then have the choice to only access the content that interests you most. Instead of feeling bombarded with everything at once, the content has been condensed into a neat and tidy list for you to choose from.
Filter Incoming Messages: Filter incoming messages by priority. For instance, with Google you can now filter messages into various folders such as Inbox, Promotions, Work, Spam, etc.
Focus and Self-Discipline: Focus only on content and users that truly interest you. Why subscribe to data that you know you won’t have time to view or really have no interest in viewing? Only subscribe to content that you truly feel brings value to your world and then discipline yourself as to how much time you allow for viewing this data and set times that work best with your busy schedule to view data. This is a great way to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
When Producing New Content: Keep your content fresh, unique, valuable and relevant.
Conclusion to Information Overload
At first, it may feel like this is hard to do, if you feel almost addicted to content. But in the end, once you start implementing these easy steps, you’ll realize just how easy they really are, you’ll feel better overall and you’ll notice a significant difference in completing tasks online and offline.
Source :
http://www.steamfeed.com/state-information-overload/
