TECHNOLOGY
Why Do We Collect So Much Information?
Sat Jul 05 2025
People often gather and store a lot of information. This is called information hoarding.
Why Do People Hoard Information?
Researchers wanted to understand the reasons behind this behavior and its consequences.
Information Overload
- Too much information can be overwhelming.
- People may start hoarding to cope with the overload.
- This can lead to selective exposure, where they only pay attention to information that aligns with their existing beliefs.
Identity Bubbles
- People create identity bubbles, or comfort zones, where they avoid information that challenges their views.
- These bubbles strengthen their existing beliefs and reduce openness to new ideas.
Intolerance of Uncertainty
- Some people struggle with uncertainty and seek clear answers.
- They hoard information to feel more certain, but this can backfire and increase their uncertainty.
The Connection
The study found that information hoarding, information overload, identity bubbles, and intolerance of uncertainty are all interconnected.
Conclusion
- These factors contribute to selective exposure.
- The issue is complex and requires further research.
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questions
What empirical evidence supports the claim that information hoarding leads to selective exposure, and how reliable are these studies?
How does intolerance of uncertainty influence the tendency to hoard information, and what strategies can be employed to address this?
If information hoarding were an Olympic sport, who would win the gold medal and why?
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