Information overload: what can we do?

Information overload is the difficulty in understanding an issue and effectively making a decision when one has too much information about that issue. It is also associated with the excessive quantity of daily information.

We are bombarded with information all the time. The initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic was arguably the worst recent experience of information overload. The continuous exposure to death count and rumors heightened anxiety.

We live in a world of content creators, where new information is made every second. Multiple news channels, YouTube, Instagram, Quora all are promoting the consumption of information. But how to avoid the negative effects of it?

Neuroscientist and author Daniel Levitin explains how our brain functions and gives ways to utilize our brain’s potential to stay productive around information overload. Levitin details how to use our limited memory in our busy lives.

Reduce complexity and cognitive load: Levitin warns that rapidly switching between tasks on digital media damages our concentration. Cognitive performance is best when undistracted, when in a state of “flow’.

Avoid Multitasking: Multitasking consumes more energy. Save the brain's power for deep work. Use airplane mode, and use email only three times a day to avoid distractions.

Externalize the mechanisms of memory: If you want to work efficiently, use external devices for organizing, remembering, and focusing on a single task. Write down all necessary tasks and don't depend on the brain.

Organized Environment: Keep your physical environment clean and simple, and your mind will feel the same way. Being organized in your life reduces the cognitive load caused by things like wasted time finding things.

Create routines: Levitin uses sleep science to explain that keeping a consistent bedtime and wake-up time are vital for routine and consistent brain functioning. Routine helps us function in default mode, so reducing cognitive load.

Final Note: By organizing and controlling a few things around you, you can maximize your creativity and efficiency. Organizing your life allows you to spend less time on the mundane, and more time on the inspiring, and rewarding things in life.