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SCHMOLL'S ENGLISH 305...WELCOME TO THE COURSE BLOG.
As an online course, the writing that we do in English 305 is substantially different from a face to face course. As such, it is imperative that you understand the course style from the start. Nearly all of your work in this course will be posted on the course blog. EACH WEEK YOU WILL HAVE THREE BLOG ASSIGNMENTS: 1. A BLOG ENTRY, 2. A READING, AND 3. A WRITING ABOUT THE READING.
Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the Friday (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. You have all week each week to complete the reading and writing for that week, but there are no late assignments accepted, so be sure to be disciplined about the work from the start.
Let me re-state that point; if you do the assigned work before or during the week it is due, you will receive full credit. If you do the work after the Friday of the week it is assigned, you will get zero credit for that week.
Grading Scale
GRADING SCALE:
Weekly Blog Entries: 10%
Writing About the Reading: 10%
Restaurant Review: 20% (DUE SEPT 24)
Tipping Point Essay Final Draft: 30% (ROUGH DRAFT DUE OCT 28) (FINAL DRAFT DUE NOV 4)
In Class Essay: 10%
Peer Revision: 10%
Participation: 10%
I believe that excess information can be a problem depending on how much information is being thrown at a person and what kind of information. I am sure a person can decide what to write a speech on when thinking about something not as important like what to wear or I have to clean, compared to them thinking on what is going to happen to an ill family member and how they might be able to pay the rent that is due the following week. I also believe that excess information can be a problem depending on the person.
There are beings out there that are more strong minded than others, and this allows them to be more focused and not as weak. It all has to do with how we perceive problems that may present themselves to us and how we go about them. Therefore, excess information affects those who are not able to separate the important from the non-important.
There is truth in the author’s assertion that information overload debilitates our ability to make good decisions. The measurements of brain activity proved a good point: that our cognitive function decreases with information increase. There is so much information out there in cyberspace that it’s taking over our ability to even socialize. I noticed that my husband became as presently catatonic as did our children when he bought a new “smart” phone. His attention is so sucked into his phone and all the information constantly arriving that he lost his ability to answer questions or reply to conversation. We both have experienced firsthand our inability to decide when there is too much information applied to our consideration. As the author stated, we either don’t decide at all (like going home instead of being able to choose one of the many restaurant choices that came up on his phone Google ap,) or we make a snap judgment (like impulse buying something online.) These decisions are certainly regretted later one when we arrive home and it’s late and we’re hungry, or the impulse buy arrives and we don’t like it. The author’s quote, “the false god of immediacy” was an ironic and truthful pun on what has become our instant coffee society. This collaborates with the converse that we make the best decisions through an unconscious process. I have indeed experienced the benefit in “sleeping on it” when needing to make an important decision, and then I am well able to make the best decision I can based not only on the information I’ve received, but also on my intuition or “gut feeling” about the matter. It’s also reassuring that we have this ability, to subconsciously process information that is a benefit to our decision making abilities. I am too impatient to channel surf, so I will find something and decide to watch it all the way to the end. If my husband has the remote, I usually end up retiring to our bedroom to read because he will spend what little time we have left of our evening changing the channel endlessly, watching tidbits of whatever is playing. So, even with the entire information overload it still seems that Grandma’s words are still the best advice: “Why don’t you just sleep on it and see how you feel in the morning?”
Excess information can be a problem. All the extraneous information that we learn in our day to day life is going to be crammed in with everything else we learned. If people are receiving text messages or checking Facebook during school hours, then they are knocking out information that can be easily remembered. This is because we only retain around 7 items at a time in our short term memory. So if a text says,"Hey, I got a new dog!" then you are more likely to remember a dog than the last bit of information a teacher said.
There is also the problem that is addressed in the text, which is that people have a hard time making the correct decision given too much information. The studies show that given an extreme amount of information, brains will start to overload and shut off. I have dealt with this while tutoring in the Math Tutoring Center on campus. After helping several people in a short amount of time, I was having trouble focusing and solving problems, because of all the different types of math I was doing.
I think this is a real problem because of all the quick access we have to information via technology. The constant updates people receive from their friends can cause their mind to be overworked and not function properly. I think that this phenomenon should be studied more and hopefully have a way to remedy it soon.
Excess information is a problem. As the article stated, it seems that the more information we are given, the more we have to think about and work through while making a decision, which may lead to us making worse decisions. But, not only is the excess information leading to worse decisions, the immediacy of the information given also affects our decision making process. So information that we are given last, even if it is bad information, will affect our decision making process more than good information we learned at the beginning of our decision making process.
The article also brought up an interesting point, where scientists and authors in our history thought that at the time there were too many books/information being released by too many people. If in the 17th and 18th centuries, there were many thinking that too much information (some good and some bad) was being released than we could absorb, then in their era, there is definitely too much information out there. Now when we search for information, for example to help decide on whom to vote for president, we can do a search online for tons of news articles, blog posts, and twitter and facebook feeds for each candidate. Much of that information is very biased and written by amateurs who think they have more knowledge and credibility than they really do, so by absorbing that information, we might be making a very poor decision when we vote.
We are updated constantly by all of these sources in real time, twenty four hours a day. Nowadays, it’s hard enough to just keep up with all the information we are given, let alone absorb it all then make a decision about it.
Excess information can be a problem, but only if you let it. Having more options I think is a good thing, you just have to know how to narrow it down without becoming too anxious. When going into any decision making process, you usually have in mind an idea of what you want. Therefore, you are able to weigh you options and make a decision. In the article it talks about putting people into situations and having them make a decision based on the information they provide. In a real life scenario, this wouldn’t happen, because you would have some knowledge and interest in the decision you would have to make. This would make it easier than just trying to decide on something that you weren’t previously contemplating. When it comes to decision making you have to know what you want and not listen to what other people are trying to persuade, but do your own research and weigh the pros and cons based on your needs. I think that decision making can be different depending on each person and this will reflect whether they feel stressed or anxious, some people feel this way no matter what decision they are making, even if they only have two options. Excess information only effects those who let it, I would actually prefer to have more information. I usually know what I want and even with all the excess information I am still able to make a smart informed decision. I remember buying my first car, and there is definitely an excess of information in the auto market, I had already picked out the car I wanted before going to the dealership. I made one choice at a time and each one narrowed it down, until I found the right one. I think I had a sort of bias when reading this article, because I am a very decisive person, so I’m not sure if I got what I should have out of it. I kind of just got frustrated with it and disregarded much of the information. I guess I just haven’t had to make that many life altering decisions to understand what a true excess of information can feel like. I guess I am a “sufficer” as the author would say. I am able to easily make decisions no matter how much, and I don’t usually feel as if I have made the wrong decision. This is probably why this article had me a bit confused.
I like what you said about some people being more strong minded than others, because as I was reading it I kept thinking about how I have no problem making decisions. But I have a friend that can't even decide where she wants to eat that night. I think that it can all depend on the person.
Once again I agree with you. I become anxious real easy and in fact, have the occasional anxiety attack, and even then I am able to control myself and really focus when I need to focus on something. I am not going to hide and say I always make the right decision, I am human, I am bound to make mistakes, but I do not find it hard to focus and ignore abstract factors when my attention is needed in one place at a time!
Daniel,
You are very right! We have to much technology at the tip of our fingers. Sometimes I wish I could shut everything off and be technology free for a second, it seems almost impossible. Great post!
This brings me back to the Google article that we JUST read. Information is everywhere. It is anything from color on a t-shirt to the fine print at the bottom of our contracts and it is amazing that our minds are not overlaoded all the time. The times that excess information becomes problematic is when your mind is not focused and neither is the point you are trying to pull from the information you're looking through. For example, if one is doing a research project and instead of working on a finding the specific information one needs, they are worried more about picking up their kids later, that is just preoccupation. Information overload is a problem when one is focused, the information is in front of that person and there are so many words and lines and pages to continue to get through that one forces itself to take a break. It is a problem because there is so many pages and books and websites and journals that have so much of the same information that there really is no need to repeat it all. Can you imagine how many trees could have been saved? I am not saying that all of the different points of view of many different people have not helped build this country as well as the world and that today we can still read what George Washington was doing as a soldier because of information from the past, but there does come a time when one can only read so many different ways about how to crack an egg!
I feel there is a lot of truth to the author’s assertions that too much information fogs our ability to make quality decisions. I am totally that person that will just go home if I cannot make a decision on dinner, as the author described. As we discussed last week, technology has our main focus. We are sucked into technology (Smart Phones) that has such an explosive quick fire of information, that it hinders us from separating the needed information from the junk we do not need to sift through. I feel this article ties into last weeks article on Google. I feel that it is also difficult to get through long articles (mentioned in last weeks article), not because the internet is making us dumber, but because there is so much information, our attention spans no longer focuses on the important stuff. It is kind of like when we were first starting to learn how to write a research paper. At first, we thought we needed all the information about the topic, when in reality, we just needed the important information to give an overall summary. This information overload is exactly what is happening with us and technology. We want it all and we want it now. A solution to information overload, or the stress that comes with it, is to get out into nature and have “you” time. It is very relaxing.
I feel that excess information can be a problem. With the vast amounts of information available to us each second of the day with our smart phones and the Internet, it is easy for us to indulge in it. Our minds are constantly being exposed to different thoughts and ideas via text messaging, emails, and other sorts of notifications. It becoming difficult to separate what information is necessary and what is not. On the other hand, it is amazing how much information we can find within seconds due to today's technology. It has definitely helped me on a daily basis to be able to get the answers to all my questions in an instant. I agree with the author that the best way to overcome the problems that occur trying to make decisions with an influx of information would be to take a moment and let it all process. With everyone in such a hurry and on the go, this could really benefit our lives in more ways than one.
Kryston- I agree with you that this article made me think of the Google article last week. I know my attention span has shortened due to vast amounts of knowledge making it more difficult for myself to focus.
I like how some of you took one tact and thought decision making wasn't difficult, and then others thought the overload of information made it harder to decide. It just shows how we are all different and respond differently to what life is like to be lived in our modern world. I would say that I have changed, because I used to be very decisive, but now not so much. I agree we need to unplug and have "you" time as one of our classmates admonished, and I really like the strong assertion that decision making is no problem. Yes, tutoring a bunch of math students would make me get unfocused too. I find that trying to work my job (I work at home) and do my homework at the same time has made it harder for me to get back into my assignment. It's not only too much information, but compartments of information have grown exponentially in our world. That's what all those aps are on your phone. Information compartments! But, we're strong and are learning that we just need to take the time to process information. I think about what the world would have been without books, and I don't know how we could have survived. Perhaps future generations will look back at our time and wonder how we ever lived in such an archaic world.
These days information is everywhere. We are constantly being bombarded with information through our phones, on the internet and in our everyday lives and daily interactions. We are on our phones more than ever now because they are constantly connected to the internet and provide us with tons of information that we could not obtain as fast as we are able to now. This is one way we are overloaded with information. I believe that being overwhelmed with information does effect our decision making capabilities. We have to try and find out everything about every little decision in order to prove to ourselves that we are making the right decision. I have this problem from time to time and find myself going through tons of information in order to come to a decision. Like the author says we have to listen to our gut feelings more when it comes to making decisions. Often times we make the right or better decision when we go on gut feeling. We have to learn to do this more or else we'll all be stressing out over every little decision we have to make everyday.
Matthew I am agreed with Matthewthat excess information is a problemand article tells us that the more information we are giventhe more we have to think about ababout and weak through while making A DECISION WHICH MAY LEAD TO WORSE DECISION......veena kumari
Obviously, this article is stating that too much information creates a problem for people trying to make a decision. When I hear "too much" it creates a negative connotation for whats to follow. I can see how this may create problems and dilemmas for people. I disagree with this article. There is no such thing as too much information. If someone struggles with making a decision while having too much information they shouldn't be making a decision in the fist place. Someone who knows what they want will be able to make a decision and handle the information they have and need. If you are unsure about what you want and you want as much information about the choices and options of whatever it is your deciding, obviously your decision will be swayed one way or another and it might not me the best decision. I have always been taught to go with my gut. I always hear people say, "Man if I only would have gone with my guy...I just had this feeling." Too much information can be a problem for people you don't know what they want and are easily persuaded. On the other hand someone who is strong minded , opinionated, and knows what the want can decipher all the information and make a decision. You don't have to listen to every little detail and piece of information, as long as you can pick up on what you feel is useful I don't think too much, then a lot of helpful information is a problem.
Is excess information a problem? If so, how? I believe that excess information can be a problem for some. Information is everywhere, whether it is visual or contextual. We as individuals see information in many different forms such as a book, newspaper, tee-shirt, and advertisement, etc. Every individual is different in that how we determine to sort the information we receive. Some people get overwhelmed and stressed about having too much information going through their mind at once, while on the other hand, some can manage just fine with a lot of information. I feel that excess information is a problem for some because they don’t have a way to sort things out. It is a whirlwind in their head. Some people are organized and can focus their attention on certain things like the important information rather than information that does not need to be dealt with at that moment in time. I think some people focus their attention on the small things such as what will I make for dinner when they should be sorting the information they need to focus on such as a research paper. They try to find things to occupy their time when in reality it is just excess information that is not needed. I feel that for some people excess information can be a problem because they don’t know what to make priority. But I think excess information can be bad for some and not for all, it just depends on the individual. Stephanie Nodal
Agustin, I agree with you. For me it can be difficult to make a decision because I keep asking myself if I made the right one. I also know that when I make a decision, once I make it I go with it; no looking back. I do think that in the decision making process we need to go with our gut more than some of the information we receive, due to some information being misleading. For some sorting information is easy while for others it is a very difficult thing, but decisions have to be made throughout life, there is just no way around it.
Agustin, I agree with you. For me it can be difficult to make a decision because I keep asking myself if I made the right one. I also know that when I make a decision, once I make it I go with it; no looking back. I do think that in the decision making process we need to go with our gut more than some of the information we receive, due to some information being misleading. For some sorting information is easy while for others it is a very difficult thing, but decisions have to be made throughout life, there is just no way around it.
Tysanne, I have to say your post entertains me. I like your last sentence about their only being so many ways that we can read on how to crack an egg. Anyway, I think you made some valid points in that excess information can be a problem when a point that we are looking for is overlooked due to our minds being overwhelmed. I do think that our minds are occupied with a ton of information that is there just to distract us from what is important. Overall good job! Stephanie Nodal
I don't think it is a problem for me personally. Every night I lay in bed for about two hours going through my day. It is completely quiet and I can sort through and put my patterns together during this time. For people that do not have this time to reflect, than yes it can be a problem. I could really relate to the part about travel and all the different websites offering similar packages, it can be stressful! I do enjoy options though and I love being able to read reviews on places and products. I take it all in and digest it before making decisions. I apply this rule in all aspects of my life. In school I will write papers in my head first and draft several copies before my fingers ever touch my laptop. It allows me to connect ideas and edit the ones I feel do not work. I am also a "planner", my weeks and days are planned out in advance and sometimes in hour increments. This allows me to take in so much in a day and spread it out throughout the week. When I allow myself to be overloaded with work and information, it is true I will not make good decisions. So in conclusion, I feel that managing information in a system that works will ensure good decision making. Olivia
Stephanie- It is always easier to focus on fun things like food than a research paper. I agree people need to focus on what is important and for some that may be difficult. Olivia
Ryan- I found it alarming in the article when it wrote about employees receiving too many emails to read and make sense of them. I couldn't imagine getting 400 emails a day and reading all of them! In that scenario I think "too much" fits. Olivia
I think having too much information is causing people to experience a rash of being unable to make informed, intelligent decisions. The authors quote “Every bit of incoming information presents a choice: whether to pay attention, whether to reply, whether to factor it into an impending decision. But decision science has shown that people faced with a plethora of choices are apt to make no decision at all”. This small quote from the article explains in a few words what is happening to our society today. As we are exposed to an overload of information, we continue to have problems making good decisions about our life. Jim Adams
Yes, I think excess information is a problem. I see how it’s good for us to be well informed about what we are buying or looking into, but too much information or options may slow our thinking. If we have too many options it becomes difficult to spread out the information and make a good choice. I agree with the author with the example that after having an overload of information on vacations, it might seem easier to just not go. Even though it might be hard on the brain for some people to handle a lot of information and make a decent decision, I also think we are so used to getting so much information that even if we were to get only a few options, we would be disappointed in not having enough. We always want the best choices and so we continue to dig for information on how to get the best product. In my eyes, we are the ones to blame for there being so much information that leads to so many opinions and options. Information isn’t always a bad thing, but I do think that excess information can at times become useless information that is only taking room in our brains that prevent important information from sinking in.
Olivia Good point! Being able to manage information can help in sorting things out in your head. I also have most of my days planned out so this allows my thoughts to stay focused on what is going on that day so I am able to make good decisions.
I think there are definitely a lot of truths to what the author is saying. I think when you are given an over abundance of information it is hard to sort things out in our head and really take the information in. I know that when i am given a lot of information at once at a certain point the information starts to just sound the same and it begins to go in one ear and out the other. Im sure this excess information makes everyone more well rounded, but there are times when its necessary just to be given the information you need at the given moment. For some people being given excess information may not be a problem, but i feel like i already constantly have so much information running through my head that it becomes almost impossible to concentrate and focus. I feel like there should be an on off switch for information we need and dont need at certain times. -Haley Garmon
Liz, I agree. i definitely think too much info slows our thinking, atleast i know it does for me. its like i have to sort through my brain but when there is so much information its hard to do so. And i agree with how you say we are the ones to blame!! with not as many choices we would be so dissatisfied. its almost as if we want to be confused with all the opinions and options. the way our brains work is just so weird to me! -Haley Garmon
Lacey, I definitely agree with you about excess information only effects those who let it affect them. I too had my mind made up before I went to the dealership to choose my first car instead of allowing dealers to try and convince me to make a purchase on a random car. I agree with many students who say the author is being bias because she does make many points throughout her article about those individuals who are “maximizers.” She says that the maximizers do not stop receiving information whether it is from text phone or any other forms. She says they struggle to make decisions. On the other hand, she did mention once at the end of the article that there are individuals who are “sufficers” which are able to say enough is enough to excessive amounts of information and make a decision and move on. I believe that there are both individuals in life and it really just depends on the person and what they can handle. I would say I am good at ignoring extra information than most; I feel that I am a “sufficer” as the author points out. At times, I could find myself overwhelmed by information so I can definitely understand what a “maximizer” would experience when being overwhelmed by a decision. Overall, I believe when it comes to decision making you have to know what you want and not listen to what other people are trying to persuade you to do. I encourage people to do their own research and see what benefits them more rather than allowing others to make decisions for you because only each person knows what they really need. Also, I think being stressed out, too anxious and/or feeling any other emotion can impair someone to make a right decision.
This is a very hard question for me because I love detail and excess information is just more detail. I think it can be important in many situations. For example, if someone says they can't talk to you. Wouldn't you want to know why? Or what made them come to that conclusion. All my friends think I'm funny because I analyze everything that has meaning. which in a way, is just saying that I make up my own excess information. Yes, there are times when I wish I didn't know so much or I could just "unlearn" things but I have to think that its making me smarter in certain areas. However, I can see how excess information could be too much at times. Too much information is sometimes can lead to misunderstanding. I think in those times we have to decide if it worth us knowing all the extra stuff or not.
Ana, I agree with you. I think it's important that we keep ourselves and others in mind when dealing with excess information. It can become a bit overwhelming. -Lindsey
Ryan, I totally agree with your post, I don't think there is a uch thing as too much information. Your right not every detail or bit of information needs to be read of known. -Christina manriquez
Stephanie, I agree with your response. For some excessive information maybe too much to handle, but maybe others are able to handle and take in the information. -Christina manriquez
I disagree with this article’s argument that too much information causes people to make decisions that make less sense. For my own experience I believe that having more information helps make wiser choices. For example, let’s say that someone wants to buy a new vehicle but is indecisive over purchasing a Honda or a Toyota. Receiving more information from someone or having more information available about the two brands will outline the pros and cons for each potential purchase that will rear the buyer towards making the best choice. I don’t agree that “information overload” causes people to make bad choices, but instead blame the inability to focus and failure to pick out just the pertinent information needed to make a decision. As I read the article I kept disagreeing with what the author wrote. I don’t know, maybe I just didn’t really understand exactly how much the author considers to be “too much information”.
I don't necessarily believe excess information is a problem; however this can be a problem for some people. I believe in order to fully comprehend something all the information about the subject jouldve be mentioned. This does not mean you individually must read every single thing of the subject, but having the information available is valuable. When writing a paper or studying for a test, you usually have a lot of information to take in; this is provably were it gets difficult for some, having decide hat information to look over and what not to. Don't get me wrong excess information can be a problem, sometimes I experience this when I'm trying to cram for a test and this can become a problem. However, if I got prganized and knew what information I was looking for all the extra information shouldn't be an issue. I believe excess information can be a problem for some people and for certain situations. -Christina manriquez
I would say that excess information is a problem because it does not allow the individual to actually make a decision. When there is just an influx of information coming in continuously, there is no way to process the information. People make decision everyday and each take information given them and make the choice that is best for them. However, when information never stops coming in, there is not time to process and make a decision. Like the author said, when individuals have information overload, they tend to make a worst decision then if they just picked one. This is true for me when I was deciding how to invest some money. I was given over 100 was to invest my money for the representative and I had no clue after taking to her of how to invest. Before going into the meeting, I had a pretty good idea of where I wanted to invest, but after the meeting I just could not make a decision. So I decided not to use the representative’s advice and just went with my gut feeling. It seems to be working out good. Excess information just makes the mind shut down and this is when the person starts to make bad decisions. Now don’t get me wrong, information is a wonderful thing, but too much can hinder decision making process for individuals, businesses, and government. It’s up to the individual of how much information they want to take in, once they feel they have enough information, then they should make a decision. It’s when the individual keeps gathering information when decisions start to go bad.
Lindsey, I really like your post! I believe it's important to have detail of a certain subject and helps us become more clear of the subject. We simply have to decide what to take into consideration when taking in a lot of information. -Christina manriquez
Interesting article. It does make sense that an overload of information, coming at us from all angles, would cause our brains to go into “information overload”. In today’s day and age we are “under a virtual deluge of data” with information coming at us instantaneously -- from the likes of the internet (remember the Google article?), instant messaging, email, Facebook, Twitter, and texting. Not to mention we are all walking around with Smartphones in our pockets to make accessing “tidbits of nothing” something we simply can’t get away from. The fact that this deluge is mobile means that not only are we bombarded with information daily, but it is happening 24/7. As the article stated, not only is it changing the way we make choices and our reaction to those choices, I think it is also changing the dynamic of relationships. As Laura stated, some people get sucked into the immediacy of information on their phones, that they forget where they are, who they are with, and if they were in a conversation before they got sidetracked with a new slice of information. And then there are those who are compelled to respond to a text that beeps in while they are speaking to you or better yet, put you on "hold" – you are no longer within their scope of attention (out of the top 7 perhaps?) – you’ve been dropped for something newer and better on the information highway.
Lacey- I agree with you in that excess information is only a problem if you let it be a problem. That was exactly what I was thinking as I read the article. I too, believe that having more information available helps outline both the pros and cons about potential decisions or purchase.
I agree that everyone needs some “you” time every once in awhile. Just get away from the information and from people and go on a camping trip, fishing, or a hike. We all need to clear our heads and get some fresh air.
Great post. I agree that so much information is repetitive now days. Like you said how we can read so much information on how to crack an egg. This action is pretty simple and does not need 100 different ways. When you keep reading the same information over and over your mind still takes that information in and processes it when it does not need too. This leads to information overload.
Personally, I do not agree with this article in the aspect that too much information is not good for the individual. As some of you have mentioned, there is no way of measuring “too much information.” Some individuals need to have and access more information that others to make decisions. I am the type of person who doesn’t think twice when making a decision. My fiancé, on the other hand, he actually considers the pros and cons of any decision he makes. My fiancé over analyzing situations has benefited us quite a bit, because he doesn’t rush into making decisions. As a result, the plans or decisions he makes are well organized and planned out. I believe that having that gift of being able to access a lot of information is a gift and it should be used to the fullest extent. To me, it sounds like non-sense that too much information can be bad. There is no way too much information can be bad for the reasons I stated above; better organized plans, better planned out decisions, and overall a more organized life style.
I really don't believe a person can have too much information. The only way to make good decision is to have all the facts. It seems to me, the problem lies more with how people process and sort information given to them. Contrary to what the author says, I truly believe that some decisions should be made in a methodical fashion, not 'hoping' your unconscious has time to figure out the correct decision or solution. For example, my friend and I just did a mini-experiment on choosing places to eat. As she began naming off places, it was my job to come up with an answer at the end, of where I wanted to eat. The way I processed the information was methodical and computer like. When choice A was given, I held it, compared it to choice B, took the higher of the two, then compared it to choice C, and so forth. This way, at any one time, I'm only picking between two choices. When you look at things as a whole, looking at twenty different choices or pieces of information, I think it can be over whelming. But having the information isn't a bad thing, it's learning how to process the information that can be the difficult task.
Only so many ways to crack an egg – that was funny and oh so true! It reminded me of a story that broke after Steve Jobs died about two men, thousands of miles apart (countries apart), who both came up with an almost identical tribute – by changing the bite in the apple logo to reflect Steve’s silhouette. Only through the internet could two people be brought together to share very similar thoughts.
I’m not sure why that tidbit of information is still in my head. :)
I believe that excess information can be a problem depending on how much information is being thrown at a person and what kind of information. I am sure a person can decide what to write a speech on when thinking about something not as important like what to wear or I have to clean, compared to them thinking on what is going to happen to an ill family member and how they might be able to pay the rent that is due the following week. I also believe that excess information can be a problem depending on the person.
ReplyDeleteThere are beings out there that are more strong minded than others, and this allows them to be more focused and not as weak. It all has to do with how we perceive problems that may present themselves to us and how we go about them. Therefore, excess information affects those who are not able to separate the important from the non-important.
Ana Garcia
There is truth in the author’s assertion that information overload debilitates our ability to make good decisions. The measurements of brain activity proved a good point: that our cognitive function decreases with information increase. There is so much information out there in cyberspace that it’s taking over our ability to even socialize. I noticed that my husband became as presently catatonic as did our children when he bought a new “smart” phone. His attention is so sucked into his phone and all the information constantly arriving that he lost his ability to answer questions or reply to conversation. We both have experienced firsthand our inability to decide when there is too much information applied to our consideration. As the author stated, we either don’t decide at all (like going home instead of being able to choose one of the many restaurant choices that came up on his phone Google ap,) or we make a snap judgment (like impulse buying something online.) These decisions are certainly regretted later one when we arrive home and it’s late and we’re hungry, or the impulse buy arrives and we don’t like it. The author’s quote, “the false god of immediacy” was an ironic and truthful pun on what has become our instant coffee society. This collaborates with the converse that we make the best decisions through an unconscious process. I have indeed experienced the benefit in “sleeping on it” when needing to make an important decision, and then I am well able to make the best decision I can based not only on the information I’ve received, but also on my intuition or “gut feeling” about the matter. It’s also reassuring that we have this ability, to subconsciously process information that is a benefit to our decision making abilities. I am too impatient to channel surf, so I will find something and decide to watch it all the way to the end. If my husband has the remote, I usually end up retiring to our bedroom to read because he will spend what little time we have left of our evening changing the channel endlessly, watching tidbits of whatever is playing. So, even with the entire information overload it still seems that Grandma’s words are still the best advice: “Why don’t you just sleep on it and see how you feel in the morning?”
ReplyDeleteLaura Harris
Excess information can be a problem. All the extraneous information that we learn in our day to day life is going to be crammed in with everything else we learned. If people are receiving text messages or checking Facebook during school hours, then they are knocking out information that can be easily remembered. This is because we only retain around 7 items at a time in our short term memory. So if a text says,"Hey, I got a new dog!" then you are more likely to remember a dog than the last bit of information a teacher said.
ReplyDeleteThere is also the problem that is addressed in the text, which is that people have a hard time making the correct decision given too much information. The studies show that given an extreme amount of information, brains will start to overload and shut off. I have dealt with this while tutoring in the Math Tutoring Center on campus. After helping several people in a short amount of time, I was having trouble focusing and solving problems, because of all the different types of math I was doing.
I think this is a real problem because of all the quick access we have to information via technology. The constant updates people receive from their friends can cause their mind to be overworked and not function properly. I think that this phenomenon should be studied more and hopefully have a way to remedy it soon.
Daniel Betancourt
Excess information is a problem. As the article stated, it seems that the more information we are given, the more we have to think about and work through while making a decision, which may lead to us making worse decisions. But, not only is the excess information leading to worse decisions, the immediacy of the information given also affects our decision making process. So information that we are given last, even if it is bad information, will affect our decision making process more than good information we learned at the beginning of our decision making process.
ReplyDeleteThe article also brought up an interesting point, where scientists and authors in our history thought that at the time there were too many books/information being released by too many people. If in the 17th and 18th centuries, there were many thinking that too much information (some good and some bad) was being released than we could absorb, then in their era, there is definitely too much information out there. Now when we search for information, for example to help decide on whom to vote for president, we can do a search online for tons of news articles, blog posts, and twitter and facebook feeds for each candidate. Much of that information is very biased and written by amateurs who think they have more knowledge and credibility than they really do, so by absorbing that information, we might be making a very poor decision when we vote.
We are updated constantly by all of these sources in real time, twenty four hours a day. Nowadays, it’s hard enough to just keep up with all the information we are given, let alone absorb it all then make a decision about it.
-Matthew Jeffries
Excess information can be a problem, but only if you let it. Having more options I think is a good thing, you just have to know how to narrow it down without becoming too anxious. When going into any decision making process, you usually have in mind an idea of what you want. Therefore, you are able to weigh you options and make a decision. In the article it talks about putting people into situations and having them make a decision based on the information they provide. In a real life scenario, this wouldn’t happen, because you would have some knowledge and interest in the decision you would have to make. This would make it easier than just trying to decide on something that you weren’t previously contemplating. When it comes to decision making you have to know what you want and not listen to what other people are trying to persuade, but do your own research and weigh the pros and cons based on your needs. I think that decision making can be different depending on each person and this will reflect whether they feel stressed or anxious, some people feel this way no matter what decision they are making, even if they only have two options. Excess information only effects those who let it, I would actually prefer to have more information. I usually know what I want and even with all the excess information I am still able to make a smart informed decision. I remember buying my first car, and there is definitely an excess of information in the auto market, I had already picked out the car I wanted before going to the dealership. I made one choice at a time and each one narrowed it down, until I found the right one. I think I had a sort of bias when reading this article, because I am a very decisive person, so I’m not sure if I got what I should have out of it. I kind of just got frustrated with it and disregarded much of the information. I guess I just haven’t had to make that many life altering decisions to understand what a true excess of information can feel like. I guess I am a “sufficer” as the author would say. I am able to easily make decisions no matter how much, and I don’t usually feel as if I have made the wrong decision. This is probably why this article had me a bit confused.
ReplyDeleteLacey Patterson
Ana,
ReplyDeleteI like what you said about some people being more strong minded than others, because as I was reading it I kept thinking about how I have no problem making decisions. But I have a friend that can't even decide where she wants to eat that night. I think that it can all depend on the person.
Lacey Patterson
Lacey,
ReplyDeleteOnce again I agree with you. I become anxious real easy and in fact, have the occasional anxiety attack, and even then I am able to control myself and really focus when I need to focus on something. I am not going to hide and say I always make the right decision, I am human, I am bound to make mistakes, but I do not find it hard to focus and ignore abstract factors when my attention is needed in one place at a time!
Daniel,
You are very right! We have to much technology at the tip of our fingers. Sometimes I wish I could shut everything off and be technology free for a second, it seems almost impossible. Great post!
Ana Garcia
This brings me back to the Google article that we JUST read. Information is everywhere. It is anything from color on a t-shirt to the fine print at the bottom of our contracts and it is amazing that our minds are not overlaoded all the time. The times that excess information becomes problematic is when your mind is not focused and neither is the point you are trying to pull from the information you're looking through. For example, if one is doing a research project and instead of working on a finding the specific information one needs, they are worried more about picking up their kids later, that is just preoccupation. Information overload is a problem when one is focused, the information is in front of that person and there are so many words and lines and pages to continue to get through that one forces itself to take a break. It is a problem because there is so many pages and books and websites and journals that have so much of the same information that there really is no need to repeat it all. Can you imagine how many trees could have been saved? I am not saying that all of the different points of view of many different people have not helped build this country as well as the world and that today we can still read what George Washington was doing as a soldier because of information from the past, but there does come a time when one can only read so many different ways about how to crack an egg!
ReplyDeleteTysanne Cullum
I feel there is a lot of truth to the author’s assertions that too much information fogs our ability to make quality decisions. I am totally that person that will just go home if I cannot make a decision on dinner, as the author described. As we discussed last week, technology has our main focus. We are sucked into technology (Smart Phones) that has such an explosive quick fire of information, that it hinders us from separating the needed information from the junk we do not need to sift through. I feel this article ties into last weeks article on Google. I feel that it is also difficult to get through long articles (mentioned in last weeks article), not because the internet is making us dumber, but because there is so much information, our attention spans no longer focuses on the important stuff. It is kind of like when we were first starting to learn how to write a research paper. At first, we thought we needed all the information about the topic, when in reality, we just needed the important information to give an overall summary. This information overload is exactly what is happening with us and technology. We want it all and we want it now. A solution to information overload, or the stress that comes with it, is to get out into nature and have “you” time. It is very relaxing.
ReplyDeleteKryston Honea
I feel that excess information can be a problem. With the vast amounts of information available to us each second of the day with our smart phones and the Internet, it is easy for us to indulge in it. Our minds are constantly being exposed to different thoughts and ideas via text messaging, emails, and other sorts of notifications. It becoming difficult to separate what information is necessary and what is not. On the other hand, it is amazing how much information we can find within seconds due to today's technology. It has definitely helped me on a daily basis to be able to get the answers to all my questions in an instant. I agree with the author that the best way to overcome the problems that occur trying to make decisions with an influx of information would be to take a moment and let it all process. With everyone in such a hurry and on the go, this could really benefit our lives in more ways than one.
ReplyDeleteRoss Hoffmann
Kryston-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that this article made me think of the Google article last week. I know my attention span has shortened due to vast amounts of knowledge making it more difficult for myself to focus.
Ross Hoffmann
I like how some of you took one tact and thought decision making wasn't difficult, and then others thought the overload of information made it harder to decide. It just shows how we are all different and respond differently to what life is like to be lived in our modern world. I would say that I have changed, because I used to be very decisive, but now not so much. I agree we need to unplug and have "you" time as one of our classmates admonished, and I really like the strong assertion that decision making is no problem. Yes, tutoring a bunch of math students would make me get unfocused too. I find that trying to work my job (I work at home) and do my homework at the same time has made it harder for me to get back into my assignment. It's not only too much information, but compartments of information have grown exponentially in our world. That's what all those aps are on your phone. Information compartments! But, we're strong and are learning that we just need to take the time to process information. I think about what the world would have been without books, and I don't know how we could have survived. Perhaps future generations will look back at our time and wonder how we ever lived in such an archaic world.
ReplyDeleteLaura Harris
These days information is everywhere. We are constantly being bombarded with information through our phones, on the internet and in our everyday lives and daily interactions. We are on our phones more than ever now because they are constantly connected to the internet and provide us with tons of information that we could not obtain as fast as we are able to now. This is one way we are overloaded with information. I believe that being overwhelmed with information does effect our decision making capabilities. We have to try and find out everything about every little decision in order to prove to ourselves that we are making the right decision. I have this problem from time to time and find myself going through tons of information in order to come to a decision. Like the author says we have to listen to our gut feelings more when it comes to making decisions. Often times we make the right or better decision when we go on gut feeling. We have to learn to do this more or else we'll all be stressing out over every little decision we have to make everyday.
ReplyDeleteAgustin Garcia
Matthew
ReplyDeleteI am agreed with Matthewthat excess information is a problemand article tells us that the more information we are giventhe more we have to think about ababout and weak through while making A DECISION WHICH MAY LEAD TO WORSE DECISION......veena kumari
Obviously, this article is stating that too much information creates a problem for people trying to make a decision. When I hear "too much" it creates a negative connotation for whats to follow. I can see how this may create problems and dilemmas for people. I disagree with this article. There is no such thing as too much information. If someone struggles with making a decision while having too much information they shouldn't be making a decision in the fist place. Someone who knows what they want will be able to make a decision and handle the information they have and need. If you are unsure about what you want and you want as much information about the choices and options of whatever it is your deciding, obviously your decision will be swayed one way or another and it might not me the best decision. I have always been taught to go with my gut. I always hear people say, "Man if I only would have gone with my guy...I just had this feeling." Too much information can be a problem for people you don't know what they want and are easily persuaded. On the other hand someone who is strong minded , opinionated, and knows what the want can decipher all the information and make a decision. You don't have to listen to every little detail and piece of information, as long as you can pick up on what you feel is useful I don't think too much, then a lot of helpful information is a problem.
ReplyDeleteRyan Barker
Correction on last line, a lot of helpful information is not a problem.
ReplyDeleteRyan Barker
Is excess information a problem? If so, how?
ReplyDeleteI believe that excess information can be a problem for some. Information is everywhere, whether it is visual or contextual. We as individuals see information in many different forms such as a book, newspaper, tee-shirt, and advertisement, etc. Every individual is different in that how we determine to sort the information we receive. Some people get overwhelmed and stressed about having too much information going through their mind at once, while on the other hand, some can manage just fine with a lot of information.
I feel that excess information is a problem for some because they don’t have a way to sort things out. It is a whirlwind in their head. Some people are organized and can focus their attention on certain things like the important information rather than information that does not need to be dealt with at that moment in time. I think some people focus their attention on the small things such as what will I make for dinner when they should be sorting the information they need to focus on such as a research paper. They try to find things to occupy their time when in reality it is just excess information that is not needed.
I feel that for some people excess information can be a problem because they don’t know what to make priority. But I think excess information can be bad for some and not for all, it just depends on the individual.
Stephanie Nodal
I am with Lacey I had a bias when I read this article, and I felt the author was talking about indecisive people.
ReplyDeleteRyan Barker
Agustin,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. For me it can be difficult to make a decision because I keep asking myself if I made the right one. I also know that when I make a decision, once I make it I go with it; no looking back. I do think that in the decision making process we need to go with our gut more than some of the information we receive, due to some information being misleading. For some sorting information is easy while for others it is a very difficult thing, but decisions have to be made throughout life, there is just no way around it.
Agustin,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. For me it can be difficult to make a decision because I keep asking myself if I made the right one. I also know that when I make a decision, once I make it I go with it; no looking back. I do think that in the decision making process we need to go with our gut more than some of the information we receive, due to some information being misleading. For some sorting information is easy while for others it is a very difficult thing, but decisions have to be made throughout life, there is just no way around it.
Stephanie Nodal
Tysanne,
ReplyDeleteI have to say your post entertains me. I like your last sentence about their only being so many ways that we can read on how to crack an egg. Anyway, I think you made some valid points in that excess information can be a problem when a point that we are looking for is overlooked due to our minds being overwhelmed. I do think that our minds are occupied with a ton of information that is there just to distract us from what is important. Overall good job!
Stephanie Nodal
I don't think it is a problem for me personally. Every night I lay in bed for about two hours going through my day. It is completely quiet and I can sort through and put my patterns together during this time. For people that do not have this time to reflect, than yes it can be a problem. I could really relate to the part about travel and all the different websites offering similar packages, it can be stressful! I do enjoy options though and I love being able to read reviews on places and products. I take it all in and digest it before making decisions. I apply this rule in all aspects of my life. In school I will write papers in my head first and draft several copies before my fingers ever touch my laptop. It allows me to connect ideas and edit the ones I feel do not work. I am also a "planner", my weeks and days are planned out in advance and sometimes in hour increments. This allows me to take in so much in a day and spread it out throughout the week. When I allow myself to be overloaded with work and information, it is true I will not make good decisions. So in conclusion, I feel that managing information in a system that works will ensure good decision making.
ReplyDeleteOlivia
Stephanie-
ReplyDeleteIt is always easier to focus on fun things like food than a research paper. I agree people need to focus on what is important and for some that may be difficult.
Olivia
Ryan-
ReplyDeleteI found it alarming in the article when it wrote about employees receiving too many emails to read and make sense of them. I couldn't imagine getting 400 emails a day and reading all of them! In that scenario I think "too much" fits.
Olivia
I think having too much information is causing people to experience a rash of being unable to make informed, intelligent decisions. The authors quote “Every bit of incoming information presents a choice: whether to pay attention, whether to reply, whether to factor it into an impending decision. But decision science has shown that people faced with a plethora of choices are apt to make no decision at all”. This small quote from the article explains in a few words what is happening to our society today. As we are exposed to an overload of information, we continue to have problems making good decisions about our life.
ReplyDeleteJim Adams
Yes, I think excess information is a problem. I see how it’s good for us to be well informed about what we are buying or looking into, but too much information or options may slow our thinking. If we have too many options it becomes difficult to spread out the information and make a good choice. I agree with the author with the example that after having an overload of information on vacations, it might seem easier to just not go. Even though it might be hard on the brain for some people to handle a lot of information and make a decent decision, I also think we are so used to getting so much information that even if we were to get only a few options, we would be disappointed in not having enough. We always want the best choices and so we continue to dig for information on how to get the best product. In my eyes, we are the ones to blame for there being so much information that leads to so many opinions and options. Information isn’t always a bad thing, but I do think that excess information can at times become useless information that is only taking room in our brains that prevent important information from sinking in.
ReplyDelete-Liz Sanchez
Olivia
ReplyDeleteGood point! Being able to manage information can help in sorting things out in your head. I also have most of my days planned out so this allows my thoughts to stay focused on what is going on that day so I am able to make good decisions.
-Liz Sanchez
I think there are definitely a lot of truths to what the author is saying. I think when you are given an over abundance of information it is hard to sort things out in our head and really take the information in. I know that when i am given a lot of information at once at a certain point the information starts to just sound the same and it begins to go in one ear and out the other.
ReplyDeleteIm sure this excess information makes everyone more well rounded, but there are times when its necessary just to be given the information you need at the given moment.
For some people being given excess information may not be a problem, but i feel like i already constantly have so much information running through my head that it becomes almost impossible to concentrate and focus. I feel like there should be an on off switch for information we need and dont need at certain times.
-Haley Garmon
Liz,
ReplyDeleteI agree. i definitely think too much info slows our thinking, atleast i know it does for me. its like i have to sort through my brain but when there is so much information its hard to do so.
And i agree with how you say we are the ones to blame!! with not as many choices we would be so dissatisfied. its almost as if we want to be confused with all the opinions and options. the way our brains work is just so weird to me!
-Haley Garmon
Lacey,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you about excess information only effects those who let it affect them. I too had my mind made up before I went to the dealership to choose my first car instead of allowing dealers to try and convince me to make a purchase on a random car.
I agree with many students who say the author is being bias because she does make many points throughout her article about those individuals who are “maximizers.” She says that the maximizers do not stop receiving information whether it is from text phone or any other forms. She says they struggle to make decisions. On the other hand, she did mention once at the end of the article that there are individuals who are “sufficers” which are able to say enough is enough to excessive amounts of information and make a decision and move on. I believe that there are both individuals in life and it really just depends on the person and what they can handle. I would say I am good at ignoring extra information than most; I feel that I am a “sufficer” as the author points out. At times, I could find myself overwhelmed by information so I can definitely understand what a “maximizer” would experience when being overwhelmed by a decision. Overall, I believe when it comes to decision making you have to know what you want and not listen to what other people are trying to persuade you to do. I encourage people to do their own research and see what benefits them more rather than allowing others to make decisions for you because only each person knows what they really need. Also, I think being stressed out, too anxious and/or feeling any other emotion can impair someone to make a right decision.
Helen Rosario
This is a very hard question for me because I love detail and excess information is just more detail. I think it can be important in many situations. For example, if someone says they can't talk to you. Wouldn't you want to know why? Or what made them come to that conclusion. All my friends think I'm funny because I analyze everything that has meaning. which in a way, is just saying that I make up my own excess information. Yes, there are times when I wish I didn't know so much or I could just "unlearn" things but I have to think that its making me smarter in certain areas. However, I can see how excess information could be too much at times. Too much information is sometimes can lead to misunderstanding. I think in those times we have to decide if it worth us knowing all the extra stuff or not.
ReplyDeleteLindsey McGuire
Ana,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I think it's important that we keep ourselves and others in mind when dealing with excess information. It can become a bit overwhelming.
-Lindsey
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your post, I don't think there is a uch thing as too much information. Your right not every detail or bit of information needs to be read of known.
-Christina manriquez
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your response. For some excessive information maybe too much to handle, but maybe others are able to handle and take in the information.
-Christina manriquez
I disagree with this article’s argument that too much information causes people to make decisions that make less sense. For my own experience I believe that having more information helps make wiser choices. For example, let’s say that someone wants to buy a new vehicle but is indecisive over purchasing a Honda or a Toyota. Receiving more information from someone or having more information available about the two brands will outline the pros and cons for each potential purchase that will rear the buyer towards making the best choice. I don’t agree that “information overload” causes people to make bad choices, but instead blame the inability to focus and failure to pick out just the pertinent information needed to make a decision. As I read the article I kept disagreeing with what the author wrote. I don’t know, maybe I just didn’t really understand exactly how much the author considers to be “too much information”.
ReplyDeleteBrenda Castro
I don't necessarily believe excess information is a problem; however this can be a problem for some people. I believe in order to fully comprehend something all the information about the subject jouldve be mentioned. This does not mean you individually must read every single thing of the subject, but having the information available is valuable. When writing a paper or studying for a test, you usually have a lot of information to take in; this is provably were it gets difficult for some, having decide hat information to look over and what not to. Don't get me wrong excess information can be a problem, sometimes I experience this when I'm trying to cram for a test and this can become a problem. However, if I got prganized and knew what information I was looking for all the extra information shouldn't be an issue. I believe excess information can be a problem for some people and for certain situations.
ReplyDelete-Christina manriquez
I would say that excess information is a problem because it does not allow the individual to actually make a decision. When there is just an influx of information coming in continuously, there is no way to process the information. People make decision everyday and each take information given them and make the choice that is best for them. However, when information never stops coming in, there is not time to process and make a decision. Like the author said, when individuals have information overload, they tend to make a worst decision then if they just picked one. This is true for me when I was deciding how to invest some money. I was given over 100 was to invest my money for the representative and I had no clue after taking to her of how to invest. Before going into the meeting, I had a pretty good idea of where I wanted to invest, but after the meeting I just could not make a decision. So I decided not to use the representative’s advice and just went with my gut feeling. It seems to be working out good. Excess information just makes the mind shut down and this is when the person starts to make bad decisions. Now don’t get me wrong, information is a wonderful thing, but too much can hinder decision making process for individuals, businesses, and government. It’s up to the individual of how much information they want to take in, once they feel they have enough information, then they should make a decision. It’s when the individual keeps gathering information when decisions start to go bad.
ReplyDeleteNealson Hanner
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteI really like your post!
I believe it's important to have detail of a certain subject and helps us become more clear of the subject. We simply have to decide what to take into consideration when taking in a lot of information.
-Christina manriquez
Is excess information a problem? If so, how?
ReplyDeleteInteresting article. It does make sense that an overload of information, coming at us from all angles, would cause our brains to go into “information overload”. In today’s day and age we are “under a virtual deluge of data” with information coming at us instantaneously -- from the likes of the internet (remember the Google article?), instant messaging, email, Facebook, Twitter, and texting. Not to mention we are all walking around with Smartphones in our pockets to make accessing “tidbits of nothing” something we simply can’t get away from. The fact that this deluge is mobile means that not only are we bombarded with information daily, but it is happening 24/7. As the article stated, not only is it changing the way we make choices and our reaction to those choices, I think it is also changing the dynamic of relationships. As Laura stated, some people get sucked into the immediacy of information on their phones, that they forget where they are, who they are with, and if they were in a conversation before they got sidetracked with a new slice of information. And then there are those who are compelled to respond to a text that beeps in while they are speaking to you or better yet, put you on "hold" – you are no longer within their scope of attention (out of the top 7 perhaps?) – you’ve been dropped for something newer and better on the information highway.
Theresa F.
Lacey-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that excess information is only a problem if you let it be a problem. That was exactly what I was thinking as I read the article. I too, believe that having more information available helps outline both the pros and cons about potential decisions or purchase.
Brenda Castro
Brenda Castro
Kryston Honea
ReplyDeleteI agree that everyone needs some “you” time every once in awhile. Just get away from the information and from people and go on a camping trip, fishing, or a hike. We all need to clear our heads and get some fresh air.
Nealson Hanner
Tysanne Cullum
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I agree that so much information is repetitive now days. Like you said how we can read so much information on how to crack an egg. This action is pretty simple and does not need 100 different ways. When you keep reading the same information over and over your mind still takes that information in and processes it when it does not need too. This leads to information overload.
Nealson Hanner
Personally, I do not agree with this article in the aspect that too much information is not good for the individual. As some of you have mentioned, there is no way of measuring “too much information.” Some individuals need to have and access more information that others to make decisions. I am the type of person who doesn’t think twice when making a decision. My fiancé, on the other hand, he actually considers the pros and cons of any decision he makes. My fiancé over analyzing situations has benefited us quite a bit, because he doesn’t rush into making decisions. As a result, the plans or decisions he makes are well organized and planned out. I believe that having that gift of being able to access a lot of information is a gift and it should be used to the fullest extent. To me, it sounds like non-sense that too much information can be bad. There is no way too much information can be bad for the reasons I stated above; better organized plans, better planned out decisions, and overall a more organized life style.
ReplyDeleteDacia Zamora
Is excess information a problem? If so, how?
ReplyDeleteI really don't believe a person can have too much information. The only way to make good decision is to have all the facts. It seems to me, the problem lies more with how people process and sort information given to them. Contrary to what the author says, I truly believe that some decisions should be made in a methodical fashion, not 'hoping' your unconscious has time to figure out the correct decision or solution. For example, my friend and I just did a mini-experiment on choosing places to eat. As she began naming off places, it was my job to come up with an answer at the end, of where I wanted to eat. The way I processed the information was methodical and computer like. When choice A was given, I held it, compared it to choice B, took the higher of the two, then compared it to choice C, and so forth. This way, at any one time, I'm only picking between two choices. When you look at things as a whole, looking at twenty different choices or pieces of information, I think it can be over whelming. But having the information isn't a bad thing, it's learning how to process the information that can be the difficult task.
I agree with those of you that believe that “information overload” is actually good for us and not bad as the article specifieS.
ReplyDeleteDacia Zamora
Tysanne,
ReplyDeleteOnly so many ways to crack an egg – that was funny and oh so true! It reminded me of a story that broke after Steve Jobs died about two men, thousands of miles apart (countries apart), who both came up with an almost identical tribute – by changing the bite in the apple logo to reflect Steve’s silhouette. Only through the internet could two people be brought together to share very similar thoughts.
I’m not sure why that tidbit of information is still in my head. :)
Theresa F.