Infodumping
Enthusiastically sharing a large amount of information about a special interest at one time.
Andy says:
It's when we get so excited about our special interest that we share everything we know about it all at once. It's a way of sharing our joy!
Detailed Explanation
Infodumping is a common behavior among autistic individuals and people with ADHD. It stems from a deep passion for a special interest and a desire to share that knowledge with others. While it can sometimes be perceived by neurotypical people as a one-sided conversation, it is fundamentally an act of connection and sharing enthusiasm.
Community Context
The term 'infodumping' is used within the neurodivergent community with affection and understanding. It's seen as a natural and positive expression of a person's interests, rather than a social misstep. People often share memes and stories about their infodumping experiences.
Communication Tips
- Consent check: "I’m excited about this—okay if I info-dump for 2 minutes?"
- Time-boxing: agree on a time limit and pause for questions
- Signals: create a gentle signal with friends/partners to switch to two-way conversation
- For listeners: reflect back a key point, ask curious questions, and propose a follow-up time if needed
At School, Work, and Home
- School: presentations or "expert of the day" moments channel enthusiasm
- Work: create written briefs or knowledge base entries from infodumps
- Home: set shared "interest time" where everyone gets a turn to info-dump
Quick Tips
- Ask for consent and a timebox before you start
- Pause every 2–3 minutes to invite questions
- Offer a summary or a link afterwards for async reading
Related Terms
Sources
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