information overload
/ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn̩ ˌəʊvəˈləʊd/
Meaning
This term refers to the state of being overwhelmed by an excessive amount of information, making it difficult to process decisions or focus. It is commonly used in discussions about digital wellness, constant notifications, and the 24-hour news cycle. The tone is neutral and analytical, often used in both casual conversations and professional contexts.
Examples
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After scrolling through social media for an hour, I started experiencing major information overload.
After scrolling through social media for an hour, I started experiencing major information overload.
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The new dashboard is great, but we need to simplify the layout to prevent information overload for our users.
The new dashboard is great, but we need to simplify the layout to prevent information overload for our users.
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To avoid information overload, I've muted all non-essential notifications on my phone.
To avoid information overload, I've muted all non-essential notifications on my phone.
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Reading multiple news outlets during a crisis can quickly lead to cognitive fatigue and information overload.
Reading multiple news outlets during a crisis can quickly lead to cognitive fatigue and information overload.
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Our training program has so much material that new hires often suffer from information overload in their first week.
Our training program has so much material that new hires often suffer from information overload in their first week.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I have an information overload.
✓ I am experiencing information overload.
'Information overload' is typically used as an uncountable noun or a state of being, not as a countable item with an indefinite article.
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✗ The website gave me too much overloads of information.
✓ The website gave me information overload.
Avoid pluralizing 'overload' in this fixed expression, and do not use 'of' after it when referring to the state itself.
Related Expressions
Practice
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With fifty Slack channels to monitor, I'm suffering from serious ___.
💡 The state of having too much data to process.
Show answer
information overload
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We should limit the slide count to prevent ___ during the presentation.
💡 Too much content at once.
Show answer
information overload