The Information Diet

The remarkable developments of the digital age easily become overwhelming. From laptops to iPads to Twitter to Bluetooth, consumers have a greater ability to communicate and access information today than at any time in history. But being plugged in can seem like a form of slavery if you feel compelled to click on every email, respond to every text message, or spend hours monitoring multiple websites and watching YouTube videos. Just as a diet of chocolate chip cookies and tortilla chips can lead to obesity, consuming too many empty calories of information can compromise your mental health. Political communications expert Clay A. Johnson, who managed the online part of President Barack Obama’s first campaign for the White House, explains how to be a selective data consumer and protect your peace of mind. getAbstract recommends his self-protective tactics to anyone who’s ready to adopt a more discerning approach to information consumption. His advice can help you lower the level of technological noise buzzing around your head and improve your concentration and productivity. If you feel inundated by the volume of material on the web, step back, take a deep breath, and formulate a strategy to use the good stuff and leave the rest behind.