The effect of multiple sources of information on mental focus among Egyptian university students: an inductive study to reduce information overload phenomenon

Abstract

The study reviews the effect of multiple sources of information on the mental focus of Egyptian university students, as the researcher tried to identify and understand the phenomenon of information overload and develop methodological ways to deal with it better. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher relied on the descriptive analytical research method through surveying and extrapolating studies and research related to the subject of the study. The researcher used a questionnaire directed to Egyptian university students to identify students’ information behaviours and measure the degree of information dispersion among them. One of the results of the study is that the more information sources students use, the higher their levels of distraction, which negatively affects academic achievement and increases the feeling of information overload. The study also indicates that students find it difficult to identify reliable sources and process the huge amount of information available. The study also presented the most important techniques and methods that can be used to improve concentration and control information overload. Among the most important recommendations called for by the study is the importance of enhancing critical and analytical reading skills among students, in addition to encouraging them to benefit from reliable and high-quality sources. The study also recommended providing academic and psychological support to students to improve their tolerance of academic pressures and increase their level of concentration and academic performance.

Keywords

• information resources
• digital information resources
• information overload
• information literacy