How to control information overload

We have come to rely on cell phone calls, email and instant messages, and perhaps have even become consumed by them. At work, companies have found this handy, can't-do-without technology is at times affecting attention spans and hurting productivity. So now, some of the biggest technology firms--the ones in part responsible for this communications revolution--are trying to help it to slow down.

The New York Times reports that Microsoft, Intel, Google and IBM are among those "banding together to fight information overload,'' and have formed a nonprofit group to study the problem, publicize it and devise ways to help workers--theirs and others--deal with the "digital deluge.''

To read about their efforts:
- check out The New York Times article