Choking on an Information Overload

Moderation and Self-regulation literacy are often over looked as a vital segment involved in the new era of digital literacy. Much like mentioned in an in-class handout, the internet is the latest unmonitored and unrestricted addiction. This common practice of inhaling so much information was first recognized as a growing trended by David Lewis who coined the term “information fatigue syndrome – IFS”. This term was developed to describe the physical and mental reactions to overwhelming amounts of indigestible and incomprehensive information. According to various studies and Mr. Lewis, the affected individuals are bombarded by multiple sources of records and statistics such as: email, fax, files, web sites, facebook, blackberries, blogs and journals. In reaction to this sum of data people can become less productive as well as have an increase in self-doubt, stress, anxiety and sleeplessness. In order to avoid such dramatic outcomes from what is perceived as a harmless past-time, the experts suggest leaving work at work and enjoying other past times or hobbies that don’t involve a screen.
Information about Dr. Lewis and IFS found at these web sites: http://paginaspersonales.deusto.es/abaitua/konzeptu/fatiga.htm, http://www.gdrc.org/icts/i-overload/infoload.html