[Information overload syndrome: a bibliographic review]

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Neuroscience
• Information Science

Background:

• The current era is characterized by unprecedented information dissemination, making human attention a scarce resource.
• Information overload occurs when the volume and intensity of information surpass an individual's cognitive processing limits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define information overload and explore its neurocognitive underpinnings.
• To identify associated symptoms, causes, and avoidance strategies.
• To examine the relationship between information overload, technology, and electronic devices.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of information overload.
• Review of neurocognitive factors influencing information processing.
• Exploration of individual differences in response to information stimuli.

Main Results:

• Information overload manifests in symptoms such as inefficiency, confusion, decision delays, and stress.
• Cognitive processing limits are influenced by the brain's metabolic energy distribution.
• Individual responses to information overload vary based on personal factors and information characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Attention is a finite cognitive resource; managing it is crucial in the face of information overload.
• Reducing adverse effects requires better personal cognitive resource management and understanding technology's role.
• Effective information handling through organization, filtering, and cognitive ergonomics is essential.