The term "information overload" was coined by Alvin Toffler in his book Future Shock (1970). Here are some definitions:

Source: Wikipedia

Information overload refers to the state of having too much information to make a decision or remain informed about a topic. It is often referred to in conjunction with various forms of Computer-mediated communication such as e-mail and the Web.

Source: PC Magazine Encyclopedia

A symptom of the high-tech age, which is too much information for one human being to absorb in an expanding world of people and technology. It comes from all sources including TV, newspapers, magazines as well as wanted and unwanted regular mail, e-mail and faxes. It has been exacerbated enormously because of the formidable number of results obtained from Web search engines.

 Source: Business Dictionary

Stress induced by reception of more information than is necessary to make a decision (or that can be understood and digested in the time available) and by attempts to deal with it with outdated time management practices.

These definitions leave me somewhat puzzled. Certainly we cannot stop avoiding information. We certainly need lots of information in our work, learning, and entertainment…

The larger question is if there are effective ways of getting the "right information" without excessive stress or effort like working 60, 70 or 80 hours per week. Certainly there are many technologies and methods that can help in finding, filtering, summarizing and negotiating the “right” mix of information we need.

"Too Much Information!" by Tom Valovic 

1-Sentence Summary*

 "As a high-tech magazine editor, then analyst, and now editor again, I’ve thought long and hard over the years about the problem of how IT managers or anyone who needs to keep track and make sense of a fast-moving emerging technology can optimally do that."

 The “Great Information Hunt” is a witty phrase used by Tom Valovic to describe challenges we face with too much information, too many articles to read, and I may add too many meetings to attend. One way to negotiate the computer power is to apply some common sense in choosing information sources.

A focused approach is to wear the blinkers and give attention to narrow range of topics. But then there is the nagging issue of not knowing what we are missing when we dedicate ourselves to exactingly specialized conversations. Is there a happy medium?  

* 1-Sentence Summary is done using Context Organizer.

"Information Overload" by Brendan 

 1-Sentence Summary*

 "The amount of information that flows through a web savvy person’s brain these days is staggering when you take a step back and observe."

As Brendan notices the joy of blogging has been greatly challenged because of the sheer information volume that we feel we should review before posting.

It is not hard to agree with him on this point. However, somehow we should be able to find a way to blog without being overburdened.

Perhaps a way to approach it is to be somewhat lighthearted…and also knowing that readers rather prefer short and common sense writing over longer essays. 

* The 1-Sentence Summary is done using Context Organizer.