Information Overload as a Burden and a Challenge. What Can We Learn for Information Literacy?

The problem with information overload today is not only the quantity of information, but also its reliability and emotional aspects. Specifically, COVID-19 or fake news are the factors that increase the problem. The aim of the study was to indicate the challenges to information literacy, based on the results of a national Information Overload (IO) survey. The Information Overload Scale (IOS) was used in the study of Polish Internet users aged 15 and older. IOS focuses on emotional aspects and subjective perceptions of information overload, thus revealing individual perceptions of one's information skills. The results show a reduction in perceived burdens between 2021 and 2022, presumably linked to a suspension of lockdowns and the resignation of online work. The way to respond to the elements of perceived IO may be a tip for information literacy education that is tailored to a specific social group and reflects the challenges of time and circumstances.