Media | In information storms

As we learn from the psychology section of the "Süddeutsche Zeitung," "people" are currently drowning in a "flood of information." In addition to the well-known oceans—the Atlantic, the Pacific, etc.—the paper states that another ocean exists: the "ocean of endless information." As binge-watchers of marine biology videos, we almost want to cry out: But there's only ONE ocean, all salt water is connected! But the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" continues its analysis: Those who pick up their smartphones often lose themselves in "endless offerings." To testify to this and all the associated dangers, the paper has persuaded a psychologist, Mr. Stephan Lewandowsky from the University of Bristol. He has analyzed the entire predicament of our drowning for years and therefore advises us to consciously ignore "certain content."

Yes, good God, but which ones! How can I weigh the value of different content against each other without acknowledging them? Recognizing this problem, the certified expert does what only certified experts are allowed to do: Say "gut feeling" without saying "gut feeling." Lewandowsky's life hack: "I like to compare it to animals searching for food: They follow a trail that seems promising—perhaps a smell—and then decide whether the search is worth it. It's similar with information. We move through a vast landscape, and if something seems interesting to us, we can decide whether to ignore it or delve deeper."

This is overwhelming me! I was just drowning in oceans, and now I've landed in a landscape! The flood of information seems to be accompanied by seismic storms of metaphor. Headlines from the last five minutes scroll before my inner eye: "People would most likely do without their sense of smell." How are they supposed to navigate in the information desert then? "I don't watch movies, says Denzel Washington." THAT seems to be the message of the day. Just not wanting to see, smell, or know ANYTHING anymore. Close the newspaper. Bye! Wonderful.