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By Dr. Stephen Adetutu Oniya, Softcity Group
Welcome to the Information Age — But at What Cost?
We live in the most connected generation in history. Our phones ping. Our inboxes overflow. Our feeds scroll infinitely. The modern knowledge worker is drowning not in work, but in information.
RELATED: Three technology tides that will sweep away the unprepared
Yet, hidden in this chaos lies a powerful truth: Information is not the enemy — it’s how we manage it that makes all the difference.
This month, we explore the unwritten rules of information mastery — the foundation for building a healthier, more balanced, and profoundly productive digital life.
Rule #1: Information is Abundant, but Attention is Limited
Your brain is not a hard drive; it’s a spotlight. Learn to curate ruthlessly. Every notification you ignore is a gift to your focus. Every feed you unfollow is a win for your peace. Protect your mental real estate like your most prized possession.
Digital Clarity Tip: Instead of unsubscribing from valuable newsletters, consider organizing your inbox with filters or folders to prioritize content that truly matters to you.
Supporting Insight:
Research indicates that since the year 2000, the average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds to just 8 seconds, highlighting the challenges posed by our increasingly digital lifestyles
Rule #2: Not All Knowledge is Equal
In a world of AI, podcasts, webinars, and gurus—critical thinking is king. Don’t just consume—distill. Ask: Is this useful? Is this true? Is this timeless?
The most successful people aren’t just informed. They are selectively informed.
Supporting Insight:
The phenomenon known as the “Google Effect” suggests that individuals are less likely to remember information they can easily access online, emphasizing the importance of discerning and internalizing truly valuable knowledge
Rule #3: Silence is a Superpower
Silence isn’t emptiness — it’s space for insight. Schedule “no-input” moments into your day. No music, no scrolling, no talking. Let your mind breathe. Creativity flows in the quiet.
Try This: The “3-3-3 Rule” — 3 minutes of silence, 3 times a day, for 3 weeks.
Supporting Insight:
Studies have shown that excessive information can impair decision-making by increasing cognitive effort, resulting in less effective knowledge retention
Rule #4: Digital Detox is No Longer Optional
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Unplugging isn’t a luxury — it’s strategy. The most innovative ideas are born offline.
Set tech boundaries like you set financial budgets. Define “tech-free zones” at home. Take your weekends back.
Supporting Insight:
A study revealed that the typical adult in Britain now has an average attention span of just 17 minutes and 10 seconds, with various tasks having different attention spans
Rule #5: Use Tech to Manage Tech
The tools that distract you can also help you focus. Use app timers, AI summaries, focus modes, and digital planners. Automation is not just efficiency — it’s a reclaiming of your time.
Tools We Love:
– Freedom (block distractions)
– Notion (organize knowledge)
– Opal (mindful screen time)
Supporting Insight:
The internet has transformed how individuals process, store, and retrieve information, serving both as a cognitive aid and a potential burden on working memory
Final Thought: In the Age of Noise, Be a Signal
You weren’t born to consume content endlessly. You were born to create, connect, and contribute.
The quality of your digital inputs will shape your mental health, your creativity, and your legacy.
Let’s master the rules. Let’s live on purpose.
Dr. Stephen Adetutu OniyaDr. Stephen Adetutu Oniya is a seasoned technology expert and the founder and CEO of Softcity Group.
