ABSTRACT
In this chapter we introduce and elaborate on the importance of understanding the dark side of Information Technology (IT), both at work and in private contexts. We focus on two challenges associated with IT’s dark side: IT-related overload and IT addiction. Both are mainly ‘First World problems’ related to the fast pace of technological change. IT-related overload is the state of being challenged in processing information used in IT-related activities. IT addiction is the state of being challenged in balancing IT usage mindfully so as to preserve one’s resources. Both of these digital challenges have several things in common: They involve activities of higher mental processes that are grounded in cognitions and emotions, and they address the way we expend our resources when using IT. Thus, both are time-consuming. Failing to meet these challenges in an adaptive way leads humans to err. Consequently, humans are blamed when IT fails, and they slowly are being substituted by more technology.
