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

February 2nd 2025

monocular deprivation

the deprivation of light to one eye. Compare binocular deprivation.