Information overload is real

Information overload is also known as infobesity or infoxication.

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.

Here are 5 facts about information overload.

1. Every two days now we create as much information as we did from the dawn of civilization up until 2003

2. 90% of all the data in the world has been generated over the last two years

3. The average American consumes 34 gigabytes/ 12 hours of information per day – outside of work.

4. The maximum number of pieces of information a human brain can handle concurrently is 7 (Miller’s Law)

5. Information (over)load is linked to greater stress, and poorer health. Overuse of social media can lead to short-term memory loss

Here is a patent for management of information based on context and relevance.

US7627334