The dark side of information: overload, anxiety and other paradoxes and pathologies

The dark side of information: overload, anxiety and other paradoxes and pathologies

2009 | Bawden, D. & Robinson, L.
This article discusses the challenges and issues associated with the communication of recorded information, including information overload, anxiety, and other paradoxes and pathologies. It explores the changing contexts of information communication, highlighting the impact of digital technologies and the Web 2.0 environment. The paper identifies two main classes of problems: those related to the quantity and diversity of information, and those related to the changing information environment. It also examines the effects of these issues on individuals and organizations, and proposes solutions to address them. The article notes that information overload is a significant problem, exacerbated by the availability of vast amounts of information and the multiple formats and channels through which it is communicated. It also discusses other related issues such as information anxiety, infobesity, and the paradox of choice. The paper emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and the need for individuals to develop strategies for managing information effectively. The rise of Web 2.0 has introduced new challenges, including the loss of identity and authority, the emphasis on micro-chunking and shallow novelty, and the impermanence of information. The article suggests that solutions must involve a combination of education, critical thinking, and the development of personal information management strategies. It also highlights the need for a better understanding of human information behavior and the role of information management in addressing these issues. The paper concludes that while there are no final solutions to the problems identified, ongoing research and a better understanding of information behavior are essential for addressing the challenges of the digital age. The article emphasizes the importance of information literacy and the need for a more holistic approach to information management that considers the broader context of education, work, and individual responses to an increasingly complex information environment.This article discusses the challenges and issues associated with the communication of recorded information, including information overload, anxiety, and other paradoxes and pathologies. It explores the changing contexts of information communication, highlighting the impact of digital technologies and the Web 2.0 environment. The paper identifies two main classes of problems: those related to the quantity and diversity of information, and those related to the changing information environment. It also examines the effects of these issues on individuals and organizations, and proposes solutions to address them. The article notes that information overload is a significant problem, exacerbated by the availability of vast amounts of information and the multiple formats and channels through which it is communicated. It also discusses other related issues such as information anxiety, infobesity, and the paradox of choice. The paper emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and the need for individuals to develop strategies for managing information effectively. The rise of Web 2.0 has introduced new challenges, including the loss of identity and authority, the emphasis on micro-chunking and shallow novelty, and the impermanence of information. The article suggests that solutions must involve a combination of education, critical thinking, and the development of personal information management strategies. It also highlights the need for a better understanding of human information behavior and the role of information management in addressing these issues. The paper concludes that while there are no final solutions to the problems identified, ongoing research and a better understanding of information behavior are essential for addressing the challenges of the digital age. The article emphasizes the importance of information literacy and the need for a more holistic approach to information management that considers the broader context of education, work, and individual responses to an increasingly complex information environment.
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Understanding The dark side of information%3A overload%2C anxiety and other paradoxes and pathologies