The Information Diet

1. Information overload is a myth; overconsumption is the real problem

"There is no such thing as information overload."

Reframing the issue. The problem isn't the abundance of information, but our habits of consumption. Just as with food, it's not about the quantity available, but what and how we choose to consume. The concept of "information overload" removes personal responsibility and agency from the equation.

Historical context. Concerns about information abundance have existed for centuries. In 1755, French philosopher Denis Diderot worried about the growing number of books. Yet, each era has developed new tools to manage information growth, from the Dewey Decimal system to modern search engines.

Shifting perspective. Instead of blaming technology or information itself, we need to focus on developing better consumption habits. This means being more selective, conscious, and deliberate about what information we take in and how we process it.

2. Our information diet shapes our reality and influences society

"Just as food companies learned that if they want to sell a lot of cheap calories, they should pack them with salt, fat, and sugar—the stuff that people crave—media companies learned that affirmation sells a lot better than information."

Media economics. The current media landscape is driven by profit motives, leading to content that prioritizes engagement over accuracy or usefulness. This has resulted in:

• Echo chambers and filter bubbles
• Sensationalism and clickbait
• Prioritization of affirmation over information

Societal impact. Poor information diets contribute to:

• Political polarization
• Spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories
• Decreased ability to engage in constructive dialogue

Personal consequences. An unhealthy information diet can lead to:

• Distorted sense of reality
• Increased stress and anxiety
• Reduced ability to make informed decisions

3. Develop data literacy to navigate the modern information landscape

"In order to have a healthy information diet, you must be capable of gathering information from the lowest rung in the pyramid."

Key components of data literacy:

1. Search: Effectively use search engines and other tools to find relevant information
2. Filter: Critically evaluate sources and content for reliability and relevance
3. Process: Use tools like spreadsheets to analyze and make sense of data
4. Create: Produce and share information responsibly
5. Synthesize: Combine diverse sources to form new insights

Practical skills. Developing data literacy involves:

• Learning advanced search techniques
• Understanding basic statistics and data visualization
• Familiarizing yourself with data analysis tools
• Practicing critical thinking and source evaluation

Ongoing process. Data literacy is not a one-time achievement but a continual process of learning and adaptation as technology and information landscapes evolve.

4. Practice "attention fitness" to combat distractions and improve focus

"Like any good diet, the information diet works best if you think about it not as denying yourself information, but as consuming more of the right stuff and developing healthy habits."

Attention as a resource. Our attention is a finite and valuable resource that needs to be managed consciously. Like physical fitness, attention can be trained and improved over time.

Practical strategies:

• Use tools like RescueTime to track your digital habits
• Implement scheduled "information consumption" periods
• Practice the Pomodoro Technique for focused work sessions
• Regularly "detox" from digital distractions
• Cultivate mindfulness through meditation or other practices

Building habits. Improving attention fitness is a gradual process. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the duration and intensity of focused work periods. Consistency is key to developing lasting habits.

5. Cultivate a healthy sense of humor to maintain perspective

"Chances are, if we can't laugh at something, we can't think rationally about it."

Humor as a cognitive tool. A sense of humor helps us:

• Process complex or difficult information
• Maintain emotional balance in challenging situations
• Recognize our own biases and limitations
• Build connections with others across ideological divides

Practical applications:

• Seek out diverse sources of humor, including those that challenge your views
• Practice self-deprecating humor to avoid taking yourself too seriously
• Use humor as a way to defuse tense situations or discussions
• Recognize when humor is being used to deflect from serious issues

Balance and boundaries. While humor is valuable, it's important to know when to be serious and respectful, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or in professional settings.

6. Consume information consciously and deliberately

"Consume deliberately. Take in information over affirmation."

Creating a balanced diet:

• Limit exposure to "junk" information (e.g., clickbait, sensationalized news)
• Seek out diverse perspectives and sources
• Prioritize local and actionable information
• Support quality journalism and content creators
• Regularly evaluate and adjust your information intake

Practical steps:

1. Audit your current information consumption habits
2. Create a schedule for intentional information intake
3. Use tools like ad-blockers and reader-view extensions to reduce distractions
4. Cultivate a diverse "information ecosystem" of sources and perspectives
5. Regularly produce content (e.g., writing, creating) to process and synthesize information

Continuous improvement. Like any diet, an information diet requires ongoing attention and adjustment. Regularly reassess your habits and their impact on your knowledge, mood, and decision-making.

7. Bridge the participation gap to strengthen democracy

"To solve the scalability problem, we must become active participants in our government."

The participation gap. There's a growing disconnect between citizens and the mechanics of government, leading to:

• Increased cynicism and distrust in institutions
• Focus on polarizing issues over practical problem-solving
• Reliance on professional lobbyists and special interests

Causes of the gap:

• Outdated government structures not designed for current population sizes
• Complex bureaucracies that are difficult for citizens to navigate
• Media focus on sensationalism over substantive policy discussions

Bridging strategies:

1. Focus on local and state-level engagement
2. Support and use civic technology platforms
3. Advocate for government modernization and digital accessibility
4. Participate in public comment periods and town halls
5. Support organizations working on government effectiveness and transparency

Personal responsibility. Strengthening democracy requires active citizenship beyond just voting. Seek out opportunities to engage with government processes, provide feedback, and contribute to policy discussions in your areas of expertise or interest.

Last updated: November 22, 2024