THE introduction of computers, satellites, Internet and allied technology or gadgetry has created information that has far surpassed human processing ability.
Information-overload, or "data-smog", is an overwhelming occupational, social and emotional problem.
The impact of information-overload is particularly apparent at the workplace.
More and more people spend their time at work sorting through emails, voice messages and web pages.
Their day is interrupted by phone calls and more incoming emails and faxes, not to mention the papers they have to get through and face-to-face information to be elicited or disseminated.
In a study of a sample of Fortune 1,000 companies, employees averaged 178 core messages a day needing action and three interruptions for some kind of information every hour.
The blessings of information technology allow people at work to access information speedily, not only from 9am to 5pm but also from 5pm onwards until 9am the next day. And, succumbing to that temptation can be harmful, dangerous and destructive.
Our brains, and consequently our bodies, get tired because we remain "wired" for long hours almost until exhaustion, causing mental and physical "burn-out".
In fact, the vast amount of information to digest and process causes stress, anxiety, fatigue, frustration, reduced productivity, an inability to concentrate and a sense of being overburdened.
All of these in turn reduce performance efficiency and affect health and family life.
Home life is interrupted as family members mostly retreat into their private "techno-cocoons", calling, messaging, accessing information or playing games.
As a result, in many homes, we are seeing a major shift in the balance with techno-stress and information-overload causing almost total loss of interaction.
We must, however, be clear that information by itself is not the problem.
One needs it in adequate measure, promptly and of the right quality to succeed in whatever endeavour one is engaged in.
The real problem is when we come to a point where we feel we do not have all the information and that we are not well informed. We then search for more and try to stay on top of it. To our utter consternation, we often realise that we just cannot find all the information soon enough and even less so to digest it all and deal with it.
We should discipline ourselves by limiting the time we spend accessing information by cruising the Internet or sending messages.
It is always useful and a good practice, to the extent possible, to set aside time for people to call, communicate or meet with.
When there are interruptions, try responding on your own time. Don't reply or be available to everyone all the time. That is absolutely unproductive.
Relax when technology puts you on hold or for whatever reasons you need to wait for a response or to contact someone.
Don't be impatient and get agitated. Rather, use that time to rest your mind or think about other tasks, preferably smaller ones.
Use the technologies that work for you. Don't acquire every new technology when something you're used to works perfectly fine. Of course, if and when the time and circumstances demand that you change, then go for it and familiarise yourself fully to use it efficiently.
Set aside slots for daily family time, exercise, sports, social get-togethers with friends and family vacations.
As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, let's use the vast and readily available information to our benefit by focusing on what's essential, managing our time well, using technologies objectively and, above all, optimally balancing work, study, recreation and family life.
RUEBEN DUDLEYPetaling Jaya, Selangor
The impact of information-overload is particularly apparent at the workplace.
More and more people spend their time at work sorting through emails, voice messages and web pages.
Their day is interrupted by phone calls and more incoming emails and faxes, not to mention the papers they have to get through and face-to-face information to be elicited or disseminated.
In a study of a sample of Fortune 1,000 companies, employees averaged 178 core messages a day needing action and three interruptions for some kind of information every hour.
The blessings of information technology allow people at work to access information speedily, not only from 9am to 5pm but also from 5pm onwards until 9am the next day. And, succumbing to that temptation can be harmful, dangerous and destructive.
Our brains, and consequently our bodies, get tired because we remain "wired" for long hours almost until exhaustion, causing mental and physical "burn-out".
In fact, the vast amount of information to digest and process causes stress, anxiety, fatigue, frustration, reduced productivity, an inability to concentrate and a sense of being overburdened.
All of these in turn reduce performance efficiency and affect health and family life.
Home life is interrupted as family members mostly retreat into their private "techno-cocoons", calling, messaging, accessing information or playing games.
As a result, in many homes, we are seeing a major shift in the balance with techno-stress and information-overload causing almost total loss of interaction.
We must, however, be clear that information by itself is not the problem.
One needs it in adequate measure, promptly and of the right quality to succeed in whatever endeavour one is engaged in.
The real problem is when we come to a point where we feel we do not have all the information and that we are not well informed. We then search for more and try to stay on top of it. To our utter consternation, we often realise that we just cannot find all the information soon enough and even less so to digest it all and deal with it.
We should discipline ourselves by limiting the time we spend accessing information by cruising the Internet or sending messages.
It is always useful and a good practice, to the extent possible, to set aside time for people to call, communicate or meet with.
When there are interruptions, try responding on your own time. Don't reply or be available to everyone all the time. That is absolutely unproductive.
Relax when technology puts you on hold or for whatever reasons you need to wait for a response or to contact someone.
Don't be impatient and get agitated. Rather, use that time to rest your mind or think about other tasks, preferably smaller ones.
Use the technologies that work for you. Don't acquire every new technology when something you're used to works perfectly fine. Of course, if and when the time and circumstances demand that you change, then go for it and familiarise yourself fully to use it efficiently.
Set aside slots for daily family time, exercise, sports, social get-togethers with friends and family vacations.
As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, let's use the vast and readily available information to our benefit by focusing on what's essential, managing our time well, using technologies objectively and, above all, optimally balancing work, study, recreation and family life.
RUEBEN DUDLEYPetaling Jaya, Selangor
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