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Information overload and environmental degradation: learning from H.A. Simon and W. Wenders

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  • Tommaso Luzzati
  • Ilaria Tucci
  • Pietro Guarnieri

Abstract

This paper discusses the relevance of information overload for understanding environmental degradation. We ground our argument on the fact that both time and attention are needed to process information. This idea, which was core in the thought of Herbert Simon, also greatly affected the early works of the film director Wim Wenders. Because information overload reduces the awareness of the consequences of choices and life-styles, this concept is a crucial analytical category to interpret many present-days puzzles, including environmental degradation. The implications of information overload, together with the detachedness from nature of the lifestyles of people living in rich countries, can be easily seen within a standard consumer problem framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Tommaso Luzzati & Ilaria Tucci & Pietro Guarnieri, 2019. "Information overload and environmental degradation: learning from H.A. Simon and W. Wenders," Discussion Papers 2019/245, Dipartimento di Economia e Management (DEM), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
    • Handle: RePEc:pie:dsedps:2019/245
    Note: ISSN 2039-1854
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    File URL: https://www.ec.unipi.it/documents/Ricerca/papers/2019-245.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ajzen, Icek, 1991. "The theory of planned behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 179-211, December.
    2. Chaim Zins, 2007. "Conceptual approaches for defining data, information, and knowledge," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 58(4), pages 479-493, February.
    3. Simon, Herbert A, 1979. "Rational Decision Making in Business Organizations," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 69(4), pages 493-513, September.
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