Effects of Internet Information Overload

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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This chapter reviews the literature on Information Overload according to different Definitions, view of some critics, effects (physiologically and psychologically) of this phenomenon. It also reviews the current scenario of Information Overload through the Internet. The literature is reviewed in the thematic order.

The term of Information Overload has many synonyms and definitions over the year, which is dependent on the content and on of the situation experienced. Information Overload is basically the result of the tremendous influx of information and our inherent ability to absorb the information. Psychological and Physiological impacts of Information Overload are observed. During this globalization era, students are using internet more and more to cope up with the updated information. Therefore Internet Information Overload effects the youth (specifically students) on large scale.

Defining the term Information Overload

The term Information overload simply means excess amount of data. It occurs when an individual is exposed to too much information then is required. Information overload is found in many sectors and is defined by many differently. However this term is used to convey simply the idea of receiving too much information then required. There are various constructs, synonyms and related terms related to information overload for example

• Cognitive overload known as psychological phenomena occurs due to overload of information. In this the decision maker receives an abundant amount of information that exceeds the person’s cognitive capacity. (Vollmann, 1991)

• Knowledge overload is commonly known as wrongly attributed knowledge rather then providing the actual information.(Hunt And Newmon,1997...

... middle of paper ...

...tify the positive and the negative consequences of individual media use.

Figure 1

Uses and gratification approach

Figure 1 shows the uses and gratification approach in which the media has been used by many reasons and how the attitude could result in consequences. However those consequences could be positive or negative

(2.3) SUMMARY

This chapter reviews the literature on Information Overload according to different Definitions, view of some critics, effects (physiologically and psychologically) of this phenomenon. It also reviews the current scenario of Information Overload through the Internet. Finally in the end it is concluded that due to the emergence and advancement in the ever increasing Information Overload it will be useful to study the impact of its extend on one of the most important sectors of the society i.e. students.

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