What can cause message overload during communication?

Message overload occurs when the amount of information being communicated exceeds an individual's ability to process it effectively. Paying excessive attention to details rather than focusing on the main idea can significantly contribute to this phenomenon. When a recipient fixates on minor aspects of a message, they may miss the essential themes or points being conveyed, leading to confusion and a feeling of being overwhelmed.

In this context, honing in on specifics can divert cognitive resources away from comprehending the core message. Consequently, this can hinder effective communication, as the listener may struggle to understand the overall intent or importance of the discussion, thereby feeling overloaded.

The other elements, such as finding the main idea or listening attentively, enhance communication because they focus on comprehension and engagement. Similarly, observing non-verbal signals is a skill that supports understanding, rather than detracting from it. Thus, the emphasis on details over the main idea creates the conditions for message overload, making it a significant factor in the communication process.