Information Pollution - Proposed Solutions

Proposed Solutions

A number of solutions to the problem of information pollution have been proposed. These range from those based on personal and organisational management techniques to the type based on technology.

Among the technology-based alternatives are the use of decision support systems and internet control panels which enable prioritisation of information. It has also been advocated that technologies that create frequent interruptions should be replaced with less “polluting” options. At an organisational level, some of the solutions proposed include the enforcement of e-mail usage policies and the development of an information integrity assurance strategy, in similar lines to existing quality assurance frameworks. Time management and stress management techniques can be applied at a personal or organisational level. This would involve setting priorities and minimising the opportunities for interruptions. As an individual, writing clearly and concisely would also help to minimise information pollution effects on others.