Digital hoarding

rdf:langString Digital hoarding

rdf:langString Digital hoarding (also known as e-hoarding, e-clutter, datahoarding, digital pack-rattery or cyberhoarding) is defined by researchers as an emerging sub-type of hoarding disorder characterized by individuals collecting excessive digital material which lead to those individuals experiencing stress and disorganization. Digital hoarding takes place in electronic environments where information is stored digitally. The term gained popularity among online forums and in the media before receiving scholarly attention. Research indicates there may be correlation between individuals who exhibit physical and digital hoarding behaviors and acknowledges there is a lack of psychological literature on the subject. Several studies suggest the main influential factors of digital hoarding are related to a number of issues and personal reasons which includes reduced costs for storing data, individuals lacking time to curate accumulated data, the perceived lifespan of data and emotional attachment to digital assets. The studies conducted to examine digital hoarding are limited in scope as this is an emerging area of study. There is a lack of agreement among researchers about whether digital hoarding is a condition to be treated rather than a normal human activity.