ABSTRACT
In this chapter we present and discuss the bright side of IT-related overload: the role of automatization and algorithms in improving decision-making. The exponential development of automatized decision-making systems and the focus on ‘big data’ are perceived as blessings that allow us both to alleviate and benefit from the IT-related overload curse. We end on a positive note by describing new technologies such as gamification and neurocognitive enhancers that are designed to actively support our brains and improve our attention. For example, games can help workers to learn and to enhance their memories. We also propose ways of moving forward to limit the deleterious impacts of neurocognitive enhancers and robotics. We emphasize the importance of increasing human control over technology by proposing better policymaking (checks and balances) as well as strategies to cope with IT-related overload and IT addiction. We conclude that too little attention is given to the relationship between what we have termed IT-related overload and work substitution. We recognize that discarding humans and empowering software is not the only solution to dealing with IT-related overload.
