A Bad Case of Information Fatigue Syndrome (IFS): Just Living the High-tech Illusion
October 6th, 2007
Whether on a forum thread, in a blog comment, or at work. Information Fatigue Syndrome (IFS) is a prevalent issue in the IT world.
IFS can be described as:
the weariness and stress that results from having to deal with excessive amounts of information – according to the IEEE Spectrum’s (Aug ’07), Technically Speaking article.
I think most developers / IT workers have experienced some IFS. An example of IFS might be: the calm, quiet developer who suddenly starts spewing obscenities and smashing their hands through the keyboard, or perhaps the forum poster who asks a simple question, then counteracts every suggestion you provide, and finally attempts to assault you online.
On a daily basis I have to remind myself that:
- Technology can be complex, but it’s not impossible
- Nothings perfect
- There are no silver bullets
- We’re just living the high-tech illusion.
Now let’s move on.
