What is an “information overload”?

An “information overload” occurs when an individual is presented with an excessive amount of information simultaneously, resulting in difficulty processing and understanding the content. This phenomenon can hinder effective communication because the recipient may become overwhelmed by competing details, leading to confusion and errors in comprehension. When there is too much information, it can be challenging to identify key points or prioritize what is essential, ultimately impairing decision-making and task execution.

The ideal scenario in communication is to convey information in a clear and concise manner that facilitates understanding, while information overload disrupts that clarity by bombarding the audience with unnecessary or excessive data.