Information overload and impact on decision making

With the world going digital, the amount of information is increasing every day, and it is difficult for people to distinguish between right and wrong content. There is simply no filter available online to let you know if you are reading anything incorrect. The false information leads to misconceptions,  waste of time and wrong decision making.

Today the internet is filled with billions of websites, and more than seven million blogs are published daily. Even if you start reading right now, you cannot consume all the data online in this lifetime, and to top it all, the pile of information keeps growing each day. 

It is why you should consult someone with more experience than you, as they can help you.. Whether you are looking for a college or starting a new business, it is advisable to take help from someone who has gone through it and can suggest you best from their experience. 

What is the risk of overloaded information on the internet?

Difficulty in finding the right content online: The Internet has all types of content- you can read tons of blogs, watch unlimited videos, and browse through random social media posts. How will you know what content is right and what is simply misleading? Anyone with an internet connection can post anything online, and there is no way to determine whether the information is true or false. 

It is when you should get guidance from others. They can tell you what videos to watch, which books you should read, and which websites have the correct information.

The reliability of online reviews is very low: When you are looking for a college or a new workplace to join, you search it online and read what other people are talking about it. But can you rely on that information? Today every company has a PR management team who maintains its online reputation. So can you trust that 5-star rating online? No, and to get the most authentic reviews, you should contact the people who have studied or worked there.

Unlimited information, but limited time: When you search anything on the internet, you will get thousands of pieces of content on the same topic, but do you have time to read or watch it all? No, and you don't have to read it all. All you need is to browse some reliable websites, social media pages, or video channels, and you are good to go. A few pages of correct information is better than a thousand pages of spin-off information which may or may not be correct. 

To conclude, I want to remind you that in the ocean of data, find your comfort beach and fish for the perfect information you require.