Deadly data overload of military operators

Skybird · 01-17-11, 07:49 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11017/1118635-96.stm

Intel information has risen by 1600%, drone opeators usually run several open communication channels simultaneoulsy, stare at the screens, and make judgements - all at the same time. But the skill of multitasking is not matched by the capability to prioritize and keep a concentrated focus on an important single issue for long time, the multitasking generation here has deficits that the military has not forseen. This can - and does - lead to critical data overload, misjudgements, and the death of people. The military is struggling to adress this problem.

XabbaRus · 01-17-11, 04:29 PM

Not surprising. The human brain isn't developed to multi task.

You can work on a couple of things max at the same time. They need to prioritise. It is like my boss at work banging on about multi-tasking. Can't be done.

We have one brain. Sheesh even computers need more than one CPU to truly multi-task.

Platapus · 01-17-11, 06:06 PM

A few years ago, I think it was NOVA had a documentary on information overload with aircrew members during the Viet Nam conflict.

More and more warning equipment was put in the cockpits and some of the aircrew interviewed said that they started turning stuff off in order to concentrate on flying the plane.

As we are always advising the military, what the warfighter needs is combat information, not just data. Data is worse then useless in combat.

01-17-11, 07:49 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,602 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Deadly data overload of military operators http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11017/1118635-96.stm Intel information has risen by 1600%, drone opeators usually run several open communication channels simultaneoulsy, stare at the screens, and make judgements - all at the same time. But the skill of multitasking is not matched by the capability to prioritize and keep a concentrated focus on an important single issue for long time, the multitasking generation here has deficits that the military has not forseen. This can - and does - lead to critical data overload, misjudgements, and the death of people. The military is struggling to adress this problem. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

01-17-11, 04:29 PM	#2
XabbaRus Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 5,330 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Not surprising. The human brain isn't developed to multi task. You can work on a couple of things max at the same time. They need to prioritise. It is like my boss at work banging on about multi-tasking. Can't be done. We have one brain. Sheesh even computers need more than one CPU to truly multi-task. __________________

01-17-11, 06:06 PM	#3
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	A few years ago, I think it was NOVA had a documentary on information overload with aircrew members during the Viet Nam conflict. More and more warning equipment was put in the cockpits and some of the aircrew interviewed said that they started turning stuff off in order to concentrate on flying the plane. As we are always advising the military, what the warfighter needs is combat information, not just data. Data is worse then useless in combat. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.