What can cognitive load negatively impact?

Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. When cognitive load is too high, it can overwhelm an individual's ability to process information effectively, which directly affects how efficiently that information is handled. This inefficiency can lead to difficulties in forming new connections, making decisions, or solving problems, as the brain's resources are stretched and can no longer function optimally.

In situations of high cognitive load, individuals may find it challenging to focus on a task or may take longer to process information, resulting in errors or incomplete understanding. This concept is particularly relevant in educational settings, where complex material can burden students' cognitive capacity, ultimately hindering their learning experience. Thus, the impact on the efficiency of processing information is a direct consequence of cognitive load.