Information Overload Paradox

Information Overload Paradox PDF Author: L. V. Orman
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781522932666
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 190

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Book Description
We are living in an age of information. Staggering amounts of information are collected, stored, and widely disseminated. Yet, we may be less informed and less knowledgeable than ever. The paradox of increasing information, yet decreasing knowledge and insight has many possible reasons, some of which are subtle and difficult to identify, and even more difficult to remedy. The fundamental issue is quantity crowding out quality, leading to an abundance of poor quality information which may not be a good substitute for scarce but high quality information. Information is not unique in exhibiting this paradox. There are many other goods that exhibit this unusual characteristic of more being worse than less. Those who eat the most food are rarely the healthiest people, and they may actually be severely deficient in some nutrients. Those who have the most Facebook friends are often the loneliest people. Those who are the busiest are not the most productive. Those who read books and watch television the most are sometimes the least knowledgeable. Information overload is like a raging fire. There is so much heat, yet no useful heat can be extracted from it. Or it is like a raging flood. There is so much water, yet no useful water can come out of it. All of these examples point to the pervasiveness of this paradox, but it is most insidious with information, critical in an information economy, and most difficult to overcome in a modern society dominated by communication technologies. In an information economy, we appear to be shipwrecked, surrounded by an ocean of water, yet dying of thirst! The most obvious reason for the paradox is the substitution problem where the emphasis on quantity shifts the emphasis and resources away from quality. It is costly to produce quality information, and it is difficult to do both quality and quantity. When quality does not pay in proportion to its high cost, quantity wins over. The second reason is the obsolescence problem. Information is not neutral with respect to the physical world, but it is an agent of change. Information is useful precisely because it is used to change the environment and subjugate nature and society to our purposes. But as information is used to change the environment to take advantage of new opportunities, our existing information about the environment becomes obsolete, leading to a loss of information. The net effect may be positive or negative, but increasingly negative as we show, in a fast-changing information-intensive society. The third reason is the competition problem when information is used as a competitive weapon against others, to mislead and confuse others, leading to a loss of knowledge on their part. Information is power, because it can be used to control others and exploit them, by controlling their information sources, and consequently their behavior. But replacing reliable information with distorted and misleading information leads to a net information loss on their part. More importantly, if everybody uses the same tactics, leading to an information war, everybody may end up worse off with significant loss of knowledge and insight by all.

Information Overload Paradox

Information Overload Paradox PDF Author: L. V. Orman
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781522932666
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 190

Get Book Here

Book Description
We are living in an age of information. Staggering amounts of information are collected, stored, and widely disseminated. Yet, we may be less informed and less knowledgeable than ever. The paradox of increasing information, yet decreasing knowledge and insight has many possible reasons, some of which are subtle and difficult to identify, and even more difficult to remedy. The fundamental issue is quantity crowding out quality, leading to an abundance of poor quality information which may not be a good substitute for scarce but high quality information. Information is not unique in exhibiting this paradox. There are many other goods that exhibit this unusual characteristic of more being worse than less. Those who eat the most food are rarely the healthiest people, and they may actually be severely deficient in some nutrients. Those who have the most Facebook friends are often the loneliest people. Those who are the busiest are not the most productive. Those who read books and watch television the most are sometimes the least knowledgeable. Information overload is like a raging fire. There is so much heat, yet no useful heat can be extracted from it. Or it is like a raging flood. There is so much water, yet no useful water can come out of it. All of these examples point to the pervasiveness of this paradox, but it is most insidious with information, critical in an information economy, and most difficult to overcome in a modern society dominated by communication technologies. In an information economy, we appear to be shipwrecked, surrounded by an ocean of water, yet dying of thirst! The most obvious reason for the paradox is the substitution problem where the emphasis on quantity shifts the emphasis and resources away from quality. It is costly to produce quality information, and it is difficult to do both quality and quantity. When quality does not pay in proportion to its high cost, quantity wins over. The second reason is the obsolescence problem. Information is not neutral with respect to the physical world, but it is an agent of change. Information is useful precisely because it is used to change the environment and subjugate nature and society to our purposes. But as information is used to change the environment to take advantage of new opportunities, our existing information about the environment becomes obsolete, leading to a loss of information. The net effect may be positive or negative, but increasingly negative as we show, in a fast-changing information-intensive society. The third reason is the competition problem when information is used as a competitive weapon against others, to mislead and confuse others, leading to a loss of knowledge on their part. Information is power, because it can be used to control others and exploit them, by controlling their information sources, and consequently their behavior. But replacing reliable information with distorted and misleading information leads to a net information loss on their part. More importantly, if everybody uses the same tactics, leading to an information war, everybody may end up worse off with significant loss of knowledge and insight by all.

The Paradox of Choice

The Paradox of Choice PDF Author: Barry Schwartz
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0061748994
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 308

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Book Description
Whether we're buying a pair of jeans, ordering a cup of coffee, selecting a long-distance carrier, applying to college, choosing a doctor, or setting up a 401(k), everyday decisions—both big and small—have become increasingly complex due to the overwhelming abundance of choice with which we are presented. As Americans, we assume that more choice means better options and greater satisfaction. But beware of excessive choice: choice overload can make you question the decisions you make before you even make them, it can set you up for unrealistically high expectations, and it can make you blame yourself for any and all failures. In the long run, this can lead to decision-making paralysis, anxiety, and perpetual stress. And, in a culture that tells us that there is no excuse for falling short of perfection when your options are limitless, too much choice can lead to clinical depression. In The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz explains at what point choice—the hallmark of individual freedom and self-determination that we so cherish—becomes detrimental to our psychological and emotional well-being. In accessible, engaging, and anecdotal prose, Schwartz shows how the dramatic explosion in choice—from the mundane to the profound challenges of balancing career, family, and individual needs—has paradoxically become a problem instead of a solution. Schwartz also shows how our obsession with choice encourages us to seek that which makes us feel worse. By synthesizing current research in the social sciences, Schwartz makes the counter intuitive case that eliminating choices can greatly reduce the stress, anxiety, and busyness of our lives. He offers eleven practical steps on how to limit choices to a manageable number, have the discipline to focus on those that are important and ignore the rest, and ultimately derive greater satisfaction from the choices you have to make.

Information Overload

Information Overload PDF Author: Judith B. Strother
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118360508
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 302

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Book Description
This book covers the ever-increasing problem of information overload from both the professional and academic perspectives. Focusing on the needs of practicing engineers and professional communicators, it addresses the causes and costs of information overload, along with strategies and techniques for reducing and minimizing its negative effects. The theoretical framework of information overload and ideas for future research are also presented. The book brings together an international group of authors, providing a truly global point of view on this important, rarely covered topic.

Choice Hacking

Choice Hacking PDF Author: Jennifer L. Clinehens
Publisher: Jennifer L. Clinehens
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 222

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Book Description
What if you could use Nobel prize-winning science to predict the choices your customers will make? Customer and user behaviors can seem irrational. Shaped by mental shortcuts and psychological biases, their actions often appear random on the surface. In Choice Hacking, we'll learn to predict these irrational behaviors and apply the science of decision-making to create unforgettable customer experiences. Discover a framework for designing experiences that doesn't just show you what principles to apply, but introduces a new way of thinking about customer behavior. You'll finish Choice Hacking feeling confident and ready to transform your experience with science. In Choice Hacking, you'll discover: - How to make sure your customer experience is designed for what people do (not what they say they'll do) - How to increase the odds that customers will make the "right choice" in any environment - How to design user experiences that drive action and engagement - How to create retail experiences that persuade and drive brand love - How brands like Uber, Netflix, Disney, and Starbucks apply these principles in their customer and user experiences Additional resources included with the book: - Access to free video Companion Course - Access to exclusive free resources, tools, examples, and use cases online Who will benefit from reading Choice Hacking? This book was written for anyone who wants to better understand customer and user decision-making. Whether you're a consultant, strategist, digital marketer, small business owner, writer, user experience designer, student, manager, or organizational leader, you will find immediate value in Choice Hacking. About the Author Jennifer Clinehens is currently Head of Experience at a major global experience agency. She holds a Master's degree in Brand Management as well as an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta School. Ms. Clinehens has client-side and consulting experience working for brands like AT&T, McDonald's, and Adidas, and she's helped shape customer experiences across the globe. A recognized authority in marketing and customer experience, she is also the author of CX That Sings: An Introduction To Customer Journey Mapping. To learn more about this book or contact the author, please visit ChoiceHacking.com

The Personalization Paradox

The Personalization Paradox PDF Author: Val Swisher
Publisher: XML Press
ISBN: 1937434737
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 280

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Book Description
According to Infosys, 86% of consumers surveyed indicated that personalized content has some impact on what they purchase and 25% said that personalization plays a large role in their purchases. And yet, looking at the data, two things stand out: Most companies say that personalizing the customer experience is a critical "must have," and they have the statistics to back it up. Very few companies believe they are delivering enough personalized content, or deliver it well. What's holding these companies back from their personalization goals? And how can you avoid the pitfalls and make personalization possible with your own enterprise content? In this book, global content strategy expert Val Swisher and senior content strategist Regina Lynn Preciado show you exactly what it takes to deliver personalized experiences at scale. You'll learn: Why personalized content is imperative to the enterprise Why so many companies fail to deliver - and how to avoid the pitfalls The five dimensions of content standardization How to bring people, technology, and process together The impact of big data and artificial intelligence The only way to deliver personalized content at scale is to automate the process at the point of delivery. And for that to work, you've got to change how you "do" content. The Personalization Paradox: Why Companies Fail (and How to Succeed) at Delivering Personalized Experiences at Scale shows you how.

Information and Communication Overload in the Digital Age

Information and Communication Overload in the Digital Age PDF Author: Marques, Rui Pedro Figueiredo
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1522520627
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 406

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Book Description
Advances in communication technologies have created an overabundance of available information and knowledge to people in contemporary society. Consequently, it has become pivotal to develop new approaches for information processing and understanding. Information and Communication Overload in the Digital Age is a comprehensive reference source for the latest scholarly material on the increased amount of information created by evolving technologies, examining creative methods for improved control of information overload. Focusing on theoretical and experimental topics, such as media consumption, media literacy, and business applications, this book is ideally designed for researchers, practitioners, academics, graduate students, and professionals seeking emerging perspectives on information and communication management.

The Overflowing Brain

The Overflowing Brain PDF Author: Torkel Klingberg
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0195372883
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 217

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Book Description
As the pace of technological change accelerates, we are increasingly experiencing a state of information overload. Statistics show that we are interrupted every three minutes during the course of the work day. Multitasking between email, cell-phone, text messages, and four or five websites while listening to an iPod forces the brain to process more and more informaton at greater and greater speeds. And yet the human brain has hardly changed in the last 40,000 years.Are all these high-tech advances overtaxing our Stone Age brains or is the constant flood of information good for us, giving our brains the daily exercise they seem to crave? In The Overflowing Brain, cognitive scientist Torkel Klingberg takes us on a journey into the limits and possibilities of the brain. He suggests that we should acknowledge and embrace our desire for information and mental challenges, but try to find a balance between demand and capacity. Klingberg explores the cognitive demands, or "complexity," of everyday life and how the brain tries to meet them. He identifies different types of attention, such as stimulus-driven and controlled attention, but focuses chiefly on "working memory," our capacity to keep information in mind for short periods of time. Dr Klingberg asserts that working memory capacity, long thought to be static and hardwired in the brain, can be improved by training, and that the increasing demands on working memory may actually have a constructive effect: as demands on the human brain increase, so does its capacity.The book ends with a discussion of the future of brain development and how we can best handle information overload in our everyday lives. Klingberg suggests how we might find a balance between demand and capacity and move from feeling overwhelmed to deeply engaged.

The Paradox of Progress

The Paradox of Progress PDF Author: Aria Evolux
Publisher: Cosminder Solutions Pvt. Ltd
ISBN:
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 137

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Book Description
In "The Paradox of Progress: Humanity's Dance with Destiny," readers embark on a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of human progress and its impact on our lives, society, and the planet. This compelling narrative dives into the intricate relationship between technological advancements, environmental challenges, and the quest for happiness in an increasingly connected world. The book examines the transformative potential of innovations across various fields, such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and the digital age. However, it also confronts the unintended consequences and ethical dilemmas that accompany our race towards progress. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the author discusses the delicate balance between the benefits and drawbacks of modernity, touching on themes like sustainability, well-being, and the human condition. The book encourages readers to reassess their perspectives on progress and to consider alternative ways of defining success, with a focus on human flourishing and environmental stewardship. "The Paradox of Progress" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dance between humanity and technology, and who wishes to explore the possibilities and challenges of our ever-evolving world. It will engage experts and laymen alike, prompting deep reflection on the true meaning of progress and the path forward for humanity.

The Information Paradox

The Information Paradox PDF Author: John Thorp
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
ISBN: 9780070926981
Category : Business enterprises
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
"Considerable change has transpired in the years since the first edition of this book was published, yet the paradox remains - investments in IT-enabled business change are still not being consistently translated into business value. This is the Information Paradox - the conflict between the widely held belief that information, and investment in IT to provide that information, is a "good thing" and the all too frequent reality that we cannot demonstrate a connection between IT investments and business results." "John Thorp and Fujitsu Consulting have continued to work with many clients around the world, implementing the Benefits Realization Approach - a unique, client-tested framework that introduces a benefits-focused mindset. Their experience has led to the understanding that the issues with IT value are merely a symptom of a broader business value problem, and to the development of a new, expanded approach - Enterprise Value Management." "A completely new Afterword outlines this new approach which goes beyond the challenge of IT value to provide a comprehensive value-driven organizational governance process. It builds on the foundation of benefits realization to help organizations manage value in an increasingly uncertain and real-time business environment. It takes readers to a new level of understanding."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Mastering the Data Paradox

Mastering the Data Paradox PDF Author: Nitin Seth
Publisher: Penguin Random House India Private Limited
ISBN: 9357087842
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 381

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Book Description
There are two remarkable phenomena that are unfolding almost simultaneously. The first is the emergence of a data-first world, where data has become a central driving force, shaping industries and fueling innovation. The second is the dawn of the AI age, propelled by the advent of Generative AI, that has created the possibility to leverage the data of the world for the first time. The convergence of these two, with data as the common denominator, holds immense promise and the opportunities are boundless. This book provides us with opportunities to push our thinking, to innovate, to transform and to create a better future at all levels—individual, enterprise and the world.