Got Information Overload by Curleen Elliott

What is information overload?

It’s the internet pages you have to browse; the emails, instant messages, text messages, RSS feeds, and blogs you have to read; the voicemails and podcasts you have to listen to; the DVR, TiVo or other on demand shows you have to watch . . . . Did I mention that these are coming at you 24 hours a day constantly interrupting you from your job, schoolwork, recreation and sleep?

Information overload steals your productivity, and creativity. It leaves you without time to just sit and think, or be innovative. The volume of it can create stress and anxiety. The problem is not the information. The problem is the innovation. We have cell phones, iPods, laptops, cable TV, internet, smart phones, and personal computers constantly bringing us updated, seemingly important, information. Most people would consider death before giving up any one of their information technologies. Another major cause of information overload is poor information practices. Here are tips to deal with this issue:

• Critically assess your personal information landscape

Do you need internet, text messaging and email on your cell phone? Do you need to be active on MySpace, Facebook, Hi5, and Twitter. Do you read all your subscribed email alerts and listservs? How many email accounts do you need? Which information interruptions can you respond to later? When can you disconnect from all your information technologies?

• Filter, filter, filter

If it does not serve your information needs get rid of it. Setting email spam filters and screening communications correctly can save you hours in a week.

• Don’t react to information, respond

You do not have to answer every text message, email or call immediately. Be aware of when you need to think or give yourself some time before responding.

• Take Control

Your information technology should not control your life. Organize your information landscape around priorities and objectives. Create a plan for dealing with a full inbox, or overactive text messaging and RSS feeds. It may be a problem if it is taking too much of your time or causing too many interruptions. Schedule times to deal with and respond to email, blogs, RSS feeds and other communications.