To be clear, the dump truck metaphor needs a middle pane, where the individual with a flag is hailing in the truckload of info.

This information overload is by choice of each one of us, at least the older and current generations who still know better.

“Distinguishing between valuable and problematic” SHOULD be as simple as keeping focus on the original problem, the question to be solved, as the info dumps upon us.

In our world of “attention for sale” (where the attention brokers would be akin to the dump truck dispatch HQ), keeping focus on (let alone actually being able to discover) real problems to solve is easier said than done.

Our better challenge is not to filter the information coming in, but to remember the important questions as more information is pilled on.

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A great metaphor for dealing with information overload! The challenge of distinguishing between valuable and problematic information well reflects the current dynamics.

I agree. However, in a state of sensory overload, one’s ability to analyze and act on information becomes diminished. Addressing this information distinction problem head on (like: “watch out for fake news”) may not be so effective.

Maybe, instead of more information (like anything online) what might work to get people out of information crisis could be some form of calming intervention. Just saying.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hug_machine?wprov=sfti1

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