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Information Overload Day
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SunOct 20

Information Overload Day – October 20, 2024

Information Overload Day comes up on October 20 every year. As the name suggests, this day is for taking a step back from the amount of information we’re faced with on a daily basis. From social media and online news to emails and text messages, we’re constantly bombarded with a plethora of information. On this day, we allow ourselves to take a break.

History of Information Overload Day

Information Overload Day was created by analyst Jonathan Spira in 2009 when his research firm, Basex, cited information overload as their “Problem of the Year”. As a way to generate more awareness about the issue, the company held “Information Overload Awareness Day” on August 12.

The Information Overload Research Group (IORG), which was also founded by Spira, joined as a sponsor of the day. During its first observance, the day witnessed 350 workers participate in an online event from more than 30 countries around the world. In 2010, Information Overload Day was moved to October 20 and has continued to be observed on that day since.

According to Encyclopedia.com, information overload has been defined as “excessive flows and amounts of data or information that can lead to detrimental, computational, physical, psychological, and social effects.” When a person is burdened with a large amount of information, it can affect their ability to process issues effectively. The term was first used in 1964 by Bertram Gross, a professor of political science, in his book “The Managing of Organizations”. However, the term didn’t become popular until the release of a book called “Future Shock”, written in 1970 by a writer and futurist called Alvin Toffler.

In the digital era, information is literally at everyone’s fingertips. The immense pressure to churn out new and exciting information, coupled with the vast number of media for its dissemination, is a major cause of information overload. The pressure to know and be known is something we all face on a daily basis. Information Overload Day is a reminder to disconnect and go back to basics.

Information Overload Day timeline

1964
Information Overload Coined

Professor Bertram Gross coins the phrase “information overload”.

1970
Future Shock

Alvin Toffler writes a book titled “Future Shock”.

2009
Inauguration

Information Overload Day is celebrated for the first time.

2015
The Challenge

Basex and IORG challenge workers and organizations to send 20% fewer emails.

Information Overload Day FAQs

How do we avoid information overload?

Stick to the basics. Avoid sharing or consuming excessive amounts of information that is not necessary or beneficial.

Is information overload harmful?

Studies prove that information overload could lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.

How does information overload affect communication?

It affects one’s ability to make productive decisions by making a person feel stressed out or confused.

How to Observe Information Overload Day

  1. Reduce your output

    For corporate workers and organizations, take on the challenge posed by the IORG and reduce your information output by 10 to 20%.

  2. Filter your input

    Not all information is vital. Take a breather from information clutter by filtering the information you receive. Open only the most important emails and avoid having too many tabs open at the same time.

  3. Take a break

    If possible, switch off your devices for a while and take an information break.

5 Weird Facts About Information Overload

  1. Two billion websites

    As of January 2019, the internet contained over two billion websites.

  2. Scientific research

    Every year, more than 1.8 million scientific research papers are published.

  3. Average time on Facebook

    On average, Facebook users spend 19.5 hours on the app every month.

  4. Articles in thousands

    In one week, the BBC and “The New York Times” published more than 10,000 articles.

  5. Friend recommendations

    According to Carat, 33% of millennials rely on social media recommendations from friends, as opposed to looking online themselves.

Why We Love Information Overload Day

  1. Time to reset

    Information Overload Day is a chance to step back from all the noise and take a much-needed break from the incessant influx of media.

  2. Time to re-evaluate

    This day gives us room to examine our digital habits and evaluate how much of the information we send and receive is useful.

  3. Time to connect

    The amount of information sent and received doesn’t reflect a real-life situation. Most times, more information may mean less communication. Instead of staring at a paper or screen, we have more time to connect with the person next to us.

Information Overload Day dates

Year Date Day
2024 October 20 Sunday
2025 October 20 Monday
2026 October 20 Tuesday
2027 October 20 Wednesday
2028 October 20 Friday