Many theories, inventions, innovations, and technologies arise from human curiosity and the search for information and truth. However, while curiosity is part of human natural characteristics that might lead to information gathering, it might bring drawbacks if the collected information is not filtered. Information overload and the negative impact of social media are essential subtopics on issues regarding information in the digital era. While it is better to know more about something relevant to an individual’s life and goals, the less one knows about things unrelated to personal matters might reduce unnecessary drama or negative emotions, which in turn might result in better peace of mind.
The information overload phenomenon has been known by many different names, including information overabundance, infobesity, infoglut, data smog, information pollution, information fatigue, social media fatigue, social media overload, information anxiety, library anxiety, infostress, infoxication, reading overload, communication overload, cognitive overload, information violence, and information assault (Bawden & Robinson, 2020). There is no single generally accepted definition, but it can best be understood as that situation that arises when there is so much relevant and potentially useful information available that it becomes a hindrance rather than a help. Its essential nature has not changed with changing technology, though its causes and proposed solutions have changed much.
Specifically, technological advancement has brought about information that is easily accessible, resulting in information overabundance that could lead to a paradox. Orman (2016) discussed this topic and suggested that the paradox lies in such a way that people know more, whereas they understand less. The paradox is due to at least three main factors. Firstly, the “substitution problem” emerges from prioritizing quantity over quality, sometimes compromising information quality. Secondly, information serves as an agent of change, making it non-neutral concerning the physical world. However, using the information to exploit new opportunities leads to the obsolescence of existing information and subsequent information loss. Thirdly, information’s competitive use to deceive others diminishes their knowledge, underscoring its potential to manipulate and control their behavior.
Therefore, effective strategies to evade information overload, including the negative impact of social media, encompass filtering, withdrawal, queuing, and adopting a ‘satisficing’ approach (Bawden & Robinson, 2020). Enhanced design of information systems, adept management of personal information, and the cultivation of digital and media literacies also contribute to mitigation. A potential solution to information overload might be pursuing a mindful equilibrium while assimilating information and striving for comprehension.
Moreover, one channel through which individuals can access information is social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. However, these platforms can yield negative consequences due to the lack of user discretion. Users could control the accounts they choose to follow or connect with, thus receiving updates from those selected accounts. Consequently, online communities create a platform for discussions encompassing health issues, challenges in daily life, and adverse events. This could lead to stigmatization reduction, a heightened sense of belonging, and increased perceived emotional support (Hong & Kim, 2020). Social media also offers possibilities to bolster users’ mental well-being by facilitating social connections and peer support (Naslund et al., 2020). Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, friendships, positive social interactions, and humor shared on social media were found to alleviate stress (Marciano et al., 2022).
Social media (TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook) are cancer – there is a lot of useful content, but junk contents are much plenty, and it could be hypothetically correlated with mental health.
G. Wirjawan (2023)
Conversely, various studies have highlighted the potential adverse impacts of utilizing social media on mental well-being. Some problems related to social media include dissatisfaction with one’s body image (Harriger et al., 2023), an increase in the likelihood of addiction and involvement in cyberbullying (Naslund et al., 2020), and a negative influence on mood (Valkenburg, 2022). Furthermore, overindulgence in social media could be attributed to intensified feelings of loneliness, the fear of missing out, and diminished subjective well-being and life satisfaction (Valkenburg, 2022). Users prone to becoming addicted to social media often report experiencing symptoms of depression and reduced self-esteem (Bányai et al., 2017).
Braghieri et al. (2022) utilized the gradual introduction of Facebook in various US colleges to measure the effect of social media on mental well-being. Their findings indicated that the introduction of Facebook to a college setting had an adverse influence on students’ mental health. The primary mechanism behind this effect is through the emergence of unfavorable social comparisons. Overall, the outcomes imply that social media might contribute, at least partially, to the recent decline in mental health among adolescents and young adults. Additionally, a systematic review has identified a connection between social media envy and exaggerated levels of anxiety and depression among individuals (Karim et al., 2020).
So, the less we know, the better? The answer might depend on the relevance of the information and how one filters, processes, and uses the information. As for social media usage, if there is one thing that could be inferred is that it might be better to use it mindfully, considerately select which accounts to follow, stop intervening in others’ lives, and start managing one’s matters by utilizing substantial, credible, and pertinent information. All information is valuable, but not every information is relevant.
References
Bányai, F., Zsila, Á., Király, O., Maraz, A., Elekes, Z., Griffiths, M. D., & Demetrovics, Z. (2017). Problematic social media use: Results from a large-scale nationally representative adolescent sample. PloS one, 12(1), e0169839.
Bawden, D., and Robinson, L. (2020). Information Overload: An Overview. In: Oxford Encyclopedia of Political Decision Making. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Braghieri, L., Levy, R. E., & Makarin, A. (2022). Social media and mental health. American Economic Review, 112(11), 3660-3693.
Harriger, J. A., Thompson, J. K., & Tiggemann, M. (2023). TikTok, TikTok, the time is now: Future directions in social media and body image. Body Image, 44, 222-226.
Hong, H., & Kim, H. J. (2020). Antecedents and consequences of information overload in the COVID-19 pandemic. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(24), 9305.
Karim, F., Oyewande, A. A., Abdalla, L. F., Chaudhry Ehsanullah, R., & Khan, S. (2020). Social Media Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 12(6), e8627.
Marciano, L., Ostroumova, M., Schulz, P. J., & Camerini, A. L. (2022). Digital media use and adolescents’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in public health, 9, 793868.
Naslund, J. A., Bondre, A., Torous, J., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2020). Social media and mental health: benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice. Journal of technology in behavioral science, 5, 245-257.
Orman, L. V. (2016). Information Overload Paradox: Drowning in Information, Starving for Knowledge. Seattle, WA: Create Space Independent Publishing. Valkenburg, P. M. (2022). Social media use and well-being: What we know and what we need to know. Current Opinion in Psychology, 45, 101294.
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