THE ROLE OF INFORMATION OVERLOAD AND ITS IMPACT ON AUDIENCE COMPREHENSION
Received: 2026-05-20
Published: 2026-06-06
Abstract
This article examines the phenomenon of information overload in the digital age and its significant negative impact on audience comprehension. Drawing on cognitive load theory and communication studies, the paper analyzes the main causes of information overload, its psychological and cognitive effects, and practical mitigation strategies. Particular attention is paid to the educational context. The study highlights the importance of information curation, digital literacy, and mindful instructional design to enhance comprehension and retention.
Keywords
List of references
-
Eppler, M. J., & Mengis, J. (2004). The concept of information overload: A review of literature from organization science, accounting, marketing, MIS, and related disciplines. The Information Society, 20(5), 325–344. https://doi.org/10.1080/01972240490507974
-
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257–285. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15516709cog1202_4
-
Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511811678
-
Bawden, D., & Robinson, L. (2009). The dark side of information: Overload, anxiety and other paradoxes and pathologies. Journal of Information Science, 35(2), 180–191. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551508095781
-
Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in language teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
-
Luckin, R., Holmes, W., Griffiths, M., & Forcier, L. B. (2016). Intelligence unleashed: An argument for AI in education. Pearson. https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/corporate/global/pearson-dot-com/files/innovation/Intelligence-Unleashed-Publication.pdf
About the Authors
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.