DATA FATIGUE AMONG INFORMATION AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT ACADEMICS: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND A STUDY ON ACADEMIC BURNOUT

Abstract

Today, the uncontrolled surge in information volume challenges individuals rational decision-making abilities, bringing to the fore the phenomenon of cognitive overstimulation and the concomitant data fatigue. This study examines the cognitive processes experienced by academics in the field of Information and Records Management (IRM), within a framework that defines information overload as an external exposure (stressor) and data fatigue as the subjective burnout (strain) this process creates in the individual. In light of Cognitive Load Theory, it is emphasized that high and unregulated data flows deplete the limited capacity of working memory, thereby hindering learning and strategic problem-solving. Specifically, the professional practices of IRM academics—who treat data directly as a research object—create a cumulative fatigue cycle. This cycle originates with technological overload and deepens through cognitive load, FoMO (Fear of Missing Out), distraction, and decision paralysis, ultimately leading to a sense of helplessness. Drawing attention to the risk of this cycle evolving into academic burnout, the study aims to describe the data fatigue levels of IRM academics in Istanbul and the factors triggering this condition within a quantitative research design. The process is analyzed through a multidimensional scale structure encompassing technological, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors; it is discussed alongside applicable solution strategies intended to manage cognitive resources more efficiently and preserve digital well-being in academic work processes.

Keywords

• Data Fatigue
• Information Overload
• Cognitive Load Theory
• Information and Records Management Academics
• Academic Burnout

Project Number

Yoktur.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval and written permission were obtained from the Ethics Committee of Marmara University, Institute of Turkic Studies (in accordance with the decision dated October 25, 2025, and numbered 2025/03).

BİLGİ VE BELGE YÖNETİMİ AKADEMİSYENLERİNDE VERİ YORGUNLUĞU: KAVRAMSAL ÇERÇEVE VE AKADEMİK TÜKENMİŞLİK ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA

Abstract

Günümüzde bilgi hacminin kontrolsüz artışı, bireylerin rasyonel karar verme yetilerini zorlayarak bilişsel aşırı uyarılma ve beraberinde veri yorgunluğu (data fatigue) olgusunu gündeme getirmektedir. Bu çalışma, bilgi aşırı yüklenmesini dışsal bir maruziyet (stresör), veri yorgunluğunu ise bu sürecin bireyde yarattığı öznel tükenmişlik (gerilim) olarak tanımlayan bir çerçevede, Bilgi ve Belge Yönetimi (BBY) akademisyenlerinin yaşadığı bilişsel süreçleri incelemektedir. Bilişsel Yük Teorisi ışığında ele alınan bu süreçte, yüksek ve düzensiz veri akışının çalışan belleğin sınırlı kapasitesini tüketerek öğrenmeyi ve stratejik problem çözmeyi zorlaştırdığı vurgulanmaktadır. Özellikle veriyi doğrudan bir araştırma nesnesi olarak ele alan BBY akademisyenlerinin mesleki pratikleri; teknolojik aşırı yüklenmeyle başlayan ve bilişsel yük, FoMO (Fear of Missing Out), dikkat dağılması ve karar felci ile derinleşen kümülatif bir yorgunluk döngüsü yaratarak, nihayetinde bir çaresizlik duygusuna yol açmaktadır. Bu döngünün akademik tükenmişliğe evrilme riskine dikkat çeken çalışma, nicel araştırma deseni kapsamında İstanbul’daki BBY akademisyenlerinin veri yorgunluğu düzeylerini ve bu durumu tetikleyen unsurları betimlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Söz konusu süreç; teknolojik, bilişsel, duygusal ve davranışsal faktörleri kapsayan çok boyutlu bir ölçek yapısıyla analiz edilerek, akademik çalışma süreçlerinde bilişsel kaynakların daha verimli yönetilmesi ve dijital refahın korunması adına uygulanabilir çözüm stratejileriyle birlikte tartışılmaktadır.

Keywords

• Veri Yorgunluğu
• Bilgi Aşırı Yüklenmesi
• Bilişsel Yük Teorisi
• Bilgi ve Belge Yönetimi Akademisyenleri
• Akademik Tükenmişlik

Project Number

Yoktur.

Ethical Statement

Marmara Üniversitesi Türkiyat Araştırmaları Enstitüsü Etik Kurulu’ndan (25.10.2025 tarih ve 2025/03 sayılı kararı gereği) etik onay ve yazılı izin alınmıştır.

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