information overload

the state that occurs when the amount or intensity of information exceeds the individual’s processing capacity, leading to anxiety, poor decision making, and other undesirable consequences. Different people respond differently to information overload, and individuals with conditions such as autism can be especially sensitive to it. Thus, the subjective condition of the person is as important as the absolute amount of informational stimulation he or she encounters. See also cognitive overload; communication overload; sensory overload; stimulus overload.

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Psychology term of the day

December 27th 2024

process–reactive

adj. relating to a disease model of schizophrenia based on the distinction between gradual and acute onset of symptoms. Process schizophrenia is marked by a long-term gradual deterioration before the disease is manifest, whereas reactive schizophrenia is associated with a rapid onset of symptoms after a relatively normal premorbid period.