Strategies for managing information overload: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose The study aims to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary synthesis of strategies for managing information overload. While the causes and consequences of information overload have been widely studied, intervention-focused research remains fragmented. This review seeks to identify, categorise, and analyse strategies that enable individuals and organisations to cope with information overload across different contexts. Design/methodology/approach The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and systematically searched four major databases (LISA, PubMed, IEEE, Taylor & Francis). Thirty-eight peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was conducted to extract, code, and synthesise data, resulting in four main categories and nine subthemes of information overload management strategies. Findings The review identified a wide range of strategies grouped into four categories: personal strategies (e.g. filtering, withdrawal, avoidance), organisational and technological solutions (e.g. dashboards, recommender systems), educational and training approaches (e.g. information literacy programmes, skill development), and communication and information sharing (e.g. policy adjustments, simplified information). The findings highlight that effective IO management requires both individual coping techniques and systemic, technology-supported, and educational interventions. Social implications The alleviation of the cognitive strain associated with information overload, facilitated by these strategies, fosters improvements in personal well-being, the quality of decision-making, and social engagement across the educational, healthcare, and workplace domains. Originality/value This review contributes a unique interdisciplinary synthesis that integrates strategies from information science, computer science, psychology, and education. It provides a novel classification of information overload management strategies, bridging fragmented research and offering a roadmap for future studies and practical implementations.

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