information overload

noun, Psychology
1.
an excess of incoming information, as might confront a pedestrian on a crowded city street, that forces one to be selective in the information received and retained.
Examples from the web for information overload
  • In this information overload, memorable candidates have a big advantage.
  • It turns out even computers can have information overload.
  • Those who revel in information overload prior to buying should call owners directly before booking.
  • But the condition of an empty receptive mind is ever more difficult to obtain it given the fast pace and the information overload.
  • Modern life is about maximizing information overload.
  • The trick isn't to cut time on our devices, but to avoid information overload and content that makes us unhappy.
  • There is a danger, in short, of information overload.
  • And if readers are suffering from information overload, imagine the new life of political writers.
  • The ability to do this will protect drivers from the possibility of information overload.
  • Many statistics detail the costs of information overload to businesses.
Contemporary definitions for information overload
noun

an overwhelming feeling upon the receipt or collection of an indigestible or incomprehensible amount of information, the feeling of being faced with an amount of data that one has no hope of completely processing

Usage Note

computing

noun

See infoglut

information overload in Technology

jargon
When a person feels unable to read all the information that is presented or available to them, particularly where they need to make decisions based on that information but can't because there is just too much to take in in the time available.
(2005-01-09)