Information overload among college students

This study examines how college students, a segment of the population, who are bombarded daily with information from the media (both traditional and new) as well as through classes, define and respond to information overload. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and a survey. The findings from the interviews suggest the students truly agonize when attempting to handle more information than they believe they are able-and, in turn, view the ability to control the influx of information targeted at them as paramount. Additionally, the students shut off information, as a means to reduce stress and anxiety, when experiencing information overload. The findings from the survey suggest negative correlations between media use and feelings associated with information overload, contrary to what we may expect intuitively. The study concludes with the suggestion that future studies should explore factors in addition to those we have studied.