cognitive overload

USAGE SUMMARY

"cognitive overload" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone has too much information to process, resulting in confusion, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed. For example: "The complexity of the project caused me so much cognitive overload that I had to take a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cognitive overload is the way it feels.

The New York Times

He also said I showed signs of being "inconsiderate on the road" and suffered from "cognitive overload".

The Guardian - Tech

All these feedback loops create a trippy, kinetic Cubism reflecting a distinctively modern delirium of perceptual and cognitive overload.

The New York Times - Arts

"You can have cognitive overload; your hands may be on the wheel, but is your mind on the road?

The New York Times

The second is something that he calls cognitive load — and which I call cognitive overload.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. LaHood, for example, often refers to what researchers call cognitive overload as more a problem.

The New York Times

For those who are relentlessly living in distressing circumstances, this cognitive overload is likely to lead to exhaustion and a sort of despair which can manifest itself in poor self-control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Far and away the biggest work challenges most of us now face are cognitive overload and difficulty focusing on one thing at a time.

The New York Times

The addition of an electronic records system can push some doctors into what one EMR expert refers to as "cognitive overload".

The New York Times - Health

Cognitive overload in the learning process.

Smart Learning Environments

Cognitive overload occurs when tasks processing exceeds working memory capacity.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid "cognitive overload" in your writing, prioritize clarity and conciseness. Break down complex ideas into smaller, manageable chunks and use visual aids or examples to support understanding.

Common error

Avoid packing too much information into a single sentence, as this can lead to "cognitive overload" for the reader. Break down lengthy sentences into shorter, more digestible ones to improve comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cognitive overload" functions primarily as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use to describe a state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Cognitive overload" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that describes the state of being mentally overwhelmed by excessive information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English and finds frequent use in both scientific and news contexts. To mitigate this issue in writing, clarity and conciseness are paramount. The phrase is often employed to explain difficulties in comprehension or decision-making, particularly when facing complex tasks or large amounts of data. Related phrases include "information overload" and "mental exhaustion", though each carries its own nuance. By understanding the causes and symptoms of cognitive overload, one can better manage their cognitive resources and avoid its detrimental effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

information overload

Highlights the excessive amount of information as the primary cause of the problem.

cognitive fatigue

Directly relates to the tiredness of cognitive processes.

mental exhaustion

Focuses more on the feeling of tiredness and depletion resulting from intense mental activity.

saturated cognition

Suggests that cognitive capacity is filled to its limit, with no more room for processing.

brain fatigue

Emphasizes the feeling of tiredness and reduced cognitive function due to prolonged mental effort.

mental strain

Suggests the experience of pressure and tension due to cognitive demands.

overwhelmed mind

Highlights the feeling of being subdued and unable to cope with mental demands.

mental clutter

Implies a disorganized and overwhelming state of thoughts and information.

sensory overload

Refers to overstimulation of the senses, leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed.

processing bottleneck

Implies a limitation in the ability to process information efficiently.

FAQs

How to use "cognitive overload" in a sentence?

You can use "cognitive overload" to describe situations where excessive information hinders understanding, such as: "The complex interface created "cognitive overload" for new users".

What are the symptoms of "cognitive overload"?

Symptoms of "cognitive overload" include difficulty concentrating, impaired decision-making, and increased stress. Recognizing these signs can help you adjust your workload or learning approach to mitigate the effects.

Which is correct: "cognitive overload" or "information overload"?

Both "cognitive overload" and "information overload" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Cognitive overload" focuses on the mental processing aspect, while "information overload" highlights the abundance of information causing the problem.

What can I do to reduce "cognitive overload"?

Strategies to reduce "cognitive overload" include prioritizing tasks, simplifying information, and taking breaks to rest your mind. Techniques like mindfulness and time management can also be helpful.