{"shapes": [{"geometry": {"y": 0.9375, "x": 0.043333333333333335, "width": 0.11833333333333332, "height": 0.05500000000000005}, "type": "rect"}], "src": "http://ho9od35yvs05ejqn.zippykid.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/maya.jpg", "editable": false, "context": "http://app.swtr.us/", "text": "Effects\n\nThe effects of information pollution can be seen at a number of levels, from the individual to society in general. The impact on a commercial organisation is likely to be particularly detrimental.\nEffects on the individual\n\nAt a personal level, information pollution will affect the capacity of the individual to evaluate options and find adequate solutions. In the most extreme case it can lead to information overload and this in turn to anxiety, decision paralysis and stress.[9] There also seem to be some negative effects on the learning process.[10]\nEffects on society\n\nAside from its impact on the individual, some authors argue that information pollution and information overload can cause loss of perspective and moral values.[11] This argument has been used to explain the indifferent behaviour that modern society shows towards certain topics such as scientific discoveries, health warnings or politics.[1] Because of the low quality and large quantity of the information received, people are becoming less sensitive to headlines and more cynical towards new messages.\nImpact on business\n\nAs decision making is a key part of the business world. Information pollution may cause employees to become burdened with information overload and stress and therefore make slower or inadequate decisions. Increased information processing time easily translates into loss of productivity and revenue. Flawed decision making will also increase the risk of critical errors taking place.[1][9]\n\nWork interruptions caused by e-mail and instant messaging can also add considerably to wasted time and efficiency losses.[9]\nProposed solutions\n\nA number of solutions to the problem of information pollution have been proposed. These range from those based on personal and organisational management techniques to the type based on technology.\n\nAmong the technology-based alternatives are the use of decision support systems[1] and internet control panels which enable prioritisation of information.[7] It has also been advocated that technologies that create frequent interruptions should be replaced with less \u201cpolluting\u201d options.[4] At an organisational level, some of the solutions proposed include the enforcement of e-mail usage policies[9] and the development of an information integrity assurance strategy, in similar lines to existing quality assurance frameworks.[1] Time management and stress management techniques can be applied at a personal or organisational level. This would involve setting priorities and minimising the opportunities for interruptions. As an individual, writing clearly and concisely would also help to minimise information pollution effects on others.\n\n - by Amrapali"}