Battle of Cognition Against the Tyranny of Information Overload

摘要

Coupled with the great evolution of increasingly more powerful computers, a revolution in the use of corresponding military information technology has attempted to change how commanders collect, process, and distribute information. Desiring to create information superiority over an adversary, the military has developed a vast network of interconnected systems to help clear the 'fog of war.' This provides vast amounts of information continuously flowing into a headquarters that is designed to assist the commanders and their staff in the endeavor. Unfortunately, this flow of information is degrading the decision making process instead of improving it. The cognitive capability of the human brain is limited and the disparity between the finite ability of the brain and the almost infinite flow of new information is overtaxing the human brain. Military information systems also increase the friction and uncertainty for commanders since they are prone to breakdown or attack and they produce too much irrelevant information. The author concludes that all of these factors are increasing the friction and uncertainty for military commanders. The current over-reliance on military information technologies is degrading a commander's ability to make decisions. The military needs to focus more resources on overcoming the limitations of the cognitive abilities of the human brain to gain information superiority.