The Impact of Mental Representations on ICT-Related Overload in the Use of Mobile Phones

Saunders C, Wiener M, Klett S, Sprenger S (2017)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Publisher: Routledge

Book Volume: 34

Pages Range: 803-825

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1080/07421222.2017.1373010

Abstract

AbstractThe use of information and communication technology (ICT) can be accompanied by the epiphenomenon of ICT-related overload, or the emotional and cognitive state that occurs when individuals are unable to efficiently retrieve and process information delivered by or associated with these technologies. While prior research tends to ascribe this phenomenon to the amount of information delivered, this study presents and provides significant empirical support for an expanded cognitive perspective of ICT-related overload, which views individuals’ information-processing capabilities as being reliant on differences in mental representations associated with cultural, demographic, and experiential factors. Specifically, based on a survey with 1,004 mobile phone users, we find that (1) polychronic individuals experience less ICT-related overload than monochronics; (2) memories of past emotional and cognitive overload increase ICT-related overload; and (3) age has inverse effects on different overload dimensions. Altogether, our findings challenge myths about information overload and multitasking, support a multidimensional conceptualization of ICT-related overload, and suggest ways that managers can reduce overload and leverage polychronicity.

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How to cite

APA:

Saunders, C., Wiener, M., Klett, S., & Sprenger, S. (2017). The Impact of Mental Representations on ICT-Related Overload in the Use of Mobile Phones. Journal of Management Information Systems, 34(3), 803-825. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07421222.2017.1373010

MLA:

Saunders, Carol, et al. "The Impact of Mental Representations on ICT-Related Overload in the Use of Mobile Phones." Journal of Management Information Systems 34.3 (2017): 803-825.

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