The Problem of Information Over-Access

With the advant of the Internet and email, the amount of the information available to every connected person has exploded. Some people have termed this phenomenon "information overload." However, I would call it "information over-access." It isn't so much as too much information is available - after, libraries have existed for centuries. However, the information in the library are all passive - if you want the information, you need to go get it. In contrast, the Internet age is about "active information" - information that is not only available to you, but actually actively seeks you out and deliver themselves to you. In the past, a person would value "access to information," but in this age, you want to control "information's access to you." The amount of information has always be overwhelming - the difference is who has access to whom.

The problem with giving "information" (as an actor) easy access to you is that it distracts you from the tasks you do. In the face of overwhelming, active information, you attention becomes situated with processing the incoming information, you priority becomes misordered, and as a result, you accomplish less each day and in the long term, important priorities are buried in a sea of noise.

I use the following methods to mitigate the problem of information over-access.

Turn Off Alerts

Bulk Process Necessary Information

A related note to this age of information over-access is the problem of Finding Gem In Information Overload.

References

• Knowing When to Log Off - An article on how students and faculties in the wired campuses are affected by "information overload."

• Why can't you pay attention anymore? - A CNet News.com article on how the various modern communication devices has made it harder than ever to stay focused, and to stay productive. (Ironically, this is the article that started my awareness of Productivity Distraction, and eventually cased me to unsubscribe from CNet's News.com's daily newsletter).

• 'Info-mania' dents IQ more than marijuana - This NewScientist article describes how the bombardment of emails and IMs can lower a person's effective intelligence (IQ).