Too Much Information: Being Human in a Digital Age

This day of activities explores the contemporary phenomenon of ‘data overload’ and its impact on human consciousness.

Ministry of Information Showcase: Communication and the Public in WWII
Hacking the Archives
Being Mass-Observed
The Historic Web: uncover your traces
Ministry of Information Walking Tours | Explore Senate House
Publishing and Propaganda in WWII | Ministry of Information talk 1
Mass Observation and Morale
Plotting Morale in WWII | Ministry of Information talk 2
Being Booth: Digital Rambling
Digital Humans, Digital Research
Too Much Information: Ignite!
Openness, Secrets and Lies

What does it mean to be human in a digital age? When information is ever more readily available, how do we assess what is valuable? How does the constant barrage of information affect and shape human consciousness? Who are the gatekeepers and custodians of the information flow, and can they be trusted?

The programme of events will include a Ministry of Information exhibition, guided tours of Senate House, digital art displays, visualisations and 'hacks' of the Mass Observation and Senate House archives, talks, performances and workshops, a research ‘Ignite’ event, and a keynote debate featuring Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, Professor Heather Brooke and internet technologist, journalist and broadcaster Ben Hammersley.