Info-flooding

Info-flooding describes the overwhelming deluge of information that surpasses an individual's or system's capacity to process and effectively utilize it. It's characterized by excessive input, leading to cognitive overload, decreased decision-making ability, heightened stress, and diminished performance. The information can be sourced from multiple channels and formats including digital sources like the internet, social media, and emails, as well as traditional sources such as news and meetings. info-flooding often results in individuals feeling overwhelmed and less capable of filtering important data from irrelevant content. This ultimately hampers the efficient and effective assimilation of knowledge and the productive application of that knowledge.

Info-flooding meaning with examples

• The constant stream of notifications, news alerts, and social media updates during his work hours caused severe info-flooding for John. He found himself distracted and unable to focus, leading to a decrease in productivity. He started missing deadlines and found his stress level rising which caused him to start making mistakes.
• Sarah experienced info-flooding when she researched potential vacation destinations. The sheer number of websites, travel blogs, and reviews left her feeling paralyzed by choices and unable to make a decision. She ended up not even making a booking because she got so overwhelmed.
• The new project at the office required accessing so much information; including multiple spreadsheets, and various communication chains. The employees felt they were experiencing info-flooding and struggled to organize the information efficiently, resulting in project delays and poor outcomes. They were getting different answers.
• Students today are especially susceptible to info-flooding. The internet provides a vast repository of knowledge but can also be overwhelming, preventing them from discerning reliable sources, or focusing their research efficiently. They get lost and start clicking and end up nowhere.
• After the new software installation, users faced info-flooding; the system generated a constant stream of automated reports, alerts, and status updates that exceeded their ability to understand and act upon the information effectively. It made their jobs harder not easier.