Infodumping vs. Oversharing: Understanding the Difference

In the neurodivergent community, communication styles can vary greatly, often leading to unique expressions such as infodumping. While infodumping and oversharing may seem similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and stem from distinct motivations. 

Understanding these differences is crucial not only for neurodivergent individuals but also for those interacting with them, including parents, educators, and colleagues.

What is Infodumping?

Infodumping is a communication style commonly associated with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD. It involves sharing large amounts of information about a particular topic, usually a special interest or hobby. Unlike standard conversation, infodumping is often one-sided, characterized by detailed and enthusiastic exploration of a subject.

For many neurodivergent people, infodumping is a natural expression of their interests and a way to seek connection. It can be seen as a form of bottom-up processing, where individuals focus on detailed building blocks before forming broader opinions or conclusions.

Why Infodumping Matters

Rather than viewing infodumping as something to be suppressed, it is essential to recognize its value. For those who experience it, infodumping stimulates the brain, provides a sense of satisfaction, and fulfills the need for engaging deeply with subjects of interest. This practice can provide structure and enhance social connections, particularly within communities that share similar interests.

For individuals with autism, infodumping and oversharing can manifest in unique ways, often stemming from specific interests, sensory processing, and social communication styles. 

Here’s a closer look at how these behaviors might appear differently:

Infodumping

• Passionate Sharing of Interests: People with autism or ADHD may have deep, intense interests (sometimes called “special interests”) in specific topics, like astronomy, history, animals, or a particular fictional universe. Infodumping is a way of sharing knowledge and enthusiasm, often with an impressive level of detail.
• Focus on Facts and Details: The information shared is typically factual, technical, or detailed, and may be conveyed without considering the listener’s knowledge or interest level.
• Intent: Infodumping often isn’t about impressing others but rather about sharing something they genuinely love. It can be a form of connection or a way of expressing excitement.
• Example: Someone might go into intricate detail about how different bird species communicate, listing scientific terms, migration patterns, and vocalization methods. The conversation may continue even if others aren’t responding enthusiastically.

Oversharing:

• Sharing Without Social Cues: People with autism or ADHD may not pick up on subtle social cues that others would use to gauge comfort levels. Oversharing can occur if someone doesn’t realize that certain topics are considered too personal or private for specific social settings.
• Direct Communication Style: Many autistic and ADHD folks communicate in a very straightforward, honest manner, which might come across as oversharing because they’re less likely to “filter” their thoughts to match social expectations.
• Intent: Oversharing is often an attempt to build trust, communicate transparently, or explain their feelings or challenges in a clear way. They may not always recognize that others might find it too personal or feel uncomfortable with certain topics.
• Example: In a group setting, someone who overshares might start talking about personal challenges with sensory overload or medical issues without realizing it might be overwhelming or too intimate for some people in the group.

Infodumping vs. Oversharing

While infodumping is about sharing extensive information on specific topics, oversharing involves disclosing personal, private, or intimate details in situations where vulnerability is inherent. Oversharing often occurs in contexts where there is no established trust, such as with new friends, colleagues, or authority figures like bosses.

The key difference lies in the content and context. Infodumping is centered around interests and is often non-personal, while oversharing reveals personal information that might not be appropriate for the setting.

Managing Infodumping

Understanding why you feel the urge to infodump can help manage the behavior without trying to stop it entirely. Here are some strategies to incorporate infodumping into conversations more smoothly:

Preface the Information:

• “On an unrelated topic, this just crossed my mind…”
• “That reminds me of…”
• “I just wanted to share something with you.”

Acknowledge the Length:

• “Sorry, that was a lot. I just love to talk about this.”
• “I just want to share what I learned.”

Flag Off-Topic Discussions:

• “That reminded me of this other topic.”
• “Hey, there is an off-topic I wanted to share.”

*Thank you to Dr Raffael Boccamazzo for contributing to these tips,

These approaches allow infodumping to become a more reciprocal part of conversations, reducing the chance of it being perceived as confusing or overwhelming.

Finding the Right Space

Creating or finding spaces where infodumping is welcomed can enhance social connections and reduce feelings of isolation. Engaging in chat rooms or online communities with others who share your interests provides a platform for infodumping in a supportive environment. It encourages interaction with like-minded individuals, fostering friendships and reducing the pressures of adapting to conventional communication styles.

Infodumping is a valid and valuable part of neurodivergent communication, offering a means to engage intensely with topics of interest. Recognizing its place alongside other communication styles can alleviate stress and enhance social interactions. By understanding and managing infodumping, individuals can use it as a powerful tool for connection rather than viewing it as a hindrance.

For neurodivergent individuals and those around them, appreciating these nuanced communication methods can lead to more inclusive and supportive environments. Remember, every style of communication has its place, and infodumping is no exception.

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