Over Connected and Overwhelmed

Every mobile and internet enabled user is different in their requirements for data, services and connectivity; yet every user shares one common problem of being over-connected and overwhelmed with choices and options. Look at this display of some of the thousands of information services and networks that you can join and require you to sign-up, give personal information, setup preferences, visit and check-it periodically. I am sure you recognize some of the names and logos. Each of these companies has a common objective and that is to engage and capture individuals with a service that provides a reason for them to visit their site.  Each of these services is tailored to specific types of users based on affiliations, demographics, age, behavior, demographics, or other attributes, so people opt-in for the service that best fits their needs. With the addition of internet-connected cell phones, these services extend to the mobile world making instant internet access, services and data available for everyone. This creates an almost unlimited number of choices for information exchange and creates a significant information management problem for people that are trying to integrate their mobile, social and professional networks. All of these online services combined with the myriad of available communication methods (RSS Feeds, Blogs, Email, Voice Mail, SMS, Instant Text, Picture & Multi-Media Messages, Social Networks, and voice-to-text, text-to-voice and other vertical services) have created needless complexity, and distractions. In the workplace, these interruptions have been measured and result in a loss of U.S. workplace productivity of $588 Billion[1] annually. Society in general has become information overloaded, over-connected and overwhelmed.

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[1] Workplace interruptions cost $588B in lost productivity

By: James Gaskin IT World January 8, 2008