It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by screen time, endless notifications, emails, news, and updates. We live in a hyper-connected world, which means that information arrives faster than we can filter it. As a result, people are looking to reclaim control over their own attention spans.
Why Information Overload Happens
1. Constant Connection
If you’re surrounded by devices and apps that constantly fight for your attention, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Between work platforms, personal messages, and social media, you may feel like you’re always “on.”
2. Unlimited Access to Content
This vast catalog of possibilities we have can be both a blessing and a burden. People can read, watch, or listen to almost anything at any moment. While empowering, this also means you’re endlessly exposed to more content than you can realistically process.
3. Pressure to Stay Updated
The fear of missing out is real, and it pushes people to engage with information at a draining pace. The world doesn’t sleep; the constant flow of emerging trends and international events, the lives of your friends, all of it contributes to the exhausting noise.
4. Lack of Boundaries
A 2019 study suggests that excessive exposure to screen time may impact your brain. It’s important to know that you can and should set boundaries for your apps, like push notifications and screen time restrictions.
How Information Overload Affects You
According to research, when left unchecked, information overload can lead to important consequences:
- Raises your stress and tension levels
- Impairs your decision-making
- Lowers productivity at work
- Leads to being overly selective about what is deemed relevant information
Tips to Manage Information Overload
Filters, Filters, and More Filters
Not everything is urgent or important. It’s a good idea to focus your attention on the information that directly affects your goals and projects. If you need to focus, it’s perfectly reasonable to tune out content that might upset you or make you feel anxious, even if it’s important.
Practice Digital Hygiene
Consider turning off push notifications for non-essential apps. Also, you might want to organize your data to avoid cluttered spaces. Adopting tools for digital hygiene can also provide a layer of control. For example, using a VPN to connect to servers in the USA allows you to manage your digital footprint and protect your online experience. Helpful tools such as note-taking apps, bookmarking extensions, or cloud storage can help keep your information organized.
