Information Overload Day

October 20th is Information Overload Day, a day to reject the constant stream of information we receive daily. Social networks, news, text messages – all are put aside for the day and it is time to relax.

History

Information Overload Day was created in 2009 by analyst Jonathan Spira and his company Basex, who had named information overload as their “problem of the year.” To draw more attention to the issue, an “Information Overload Awareness Day” was held on August 12th and attended by 350 people from 30 countries. The event was moved to October 20th the following year and has been fixed on this date ever since.

The most common cause of information overload is the huge number of media releasing new information around the clock. Information Overload Day was created to remind us to take a break from it all and to just relax.

Interesting Facts

• In 1964, Professor Bertram Gross coined the phrase “information overload”.
• In 2015, Basex and IORG asked employers to send fewer emails to their employees.
• In 2019, there were over two billion websites.
• A person spends an average of 19.5 hours on Facebook per month.

How to Take Part

If you have subordinates, follow IORG’s advice and reduce the amount of information issued by 20% for at least one day. Filter your news sources and unsubscribe from those that are not necessary. Get together with friends or family, disconnect from all devices and gadgets, and just chat on light-hearted topics.

When is Information Overload Day in 2024?

Information Overload Day is observed on October 20 each year.

Observations