Why Do We Collect So Much Information?

People often gather and store a lot of information. This is called information hoarding. But why do they do it? And what happens when they do? Researchers wanted to find out. They looked at how information hoarding connects to other things. Like feeling overwhelmed by too much information. Or sticking to beliefs that match their own. Or struggling with uncertainty. First, they thought about how too much information can be a problem. When people have too much to process, they might start hoarding. They keep more than they need. This can lead to selective exposure. That means they only pay attention to information that fits what they already believe. Next, they considered how people form identity bubbles. These are like comfort zones. People stay in them because it feels safe. They avoid information that challenges their views. This makes their bubbles stronger. And it makes them less open to new ideas. Finally, they looked at how people deal with uncertainty. Some people can't handle not knowing things. They want clear answers. So, they hoard information to feel more certain. But this can backfire. It can make them even more unsure. The study found that all these things are connected. Information hoarding, information overload, identity bubbles, and intolerance of uncertainty. They all play a role in selective exposure. But the study also raised more questions. It's a complex issue. And there's still a lot to learn.