Ondiepe

Ondiepe is a term used in contemporary theory to describe a characteristic in media, communication, and organizational practice wherein content or processes are designed to be shallow or quickly digestible, prioritizing accessibility over depth. The concept is used to analyze how information is produced, presented, and circulated in contexts where rapid uptake is valued over thorough analysis.

Etymology: The term appears to be a neologism built from the Dutch on- meaning not and diepte meaning depth. In English usage, it is metaphorical, indicating superficiality. Some writers link its emergence to debates about readability, cognitive load, and the design of user interfaces.

Definition and scope: Ondiepe may refer to (a) content: materials that omit contextual detail, complex methodology, or caveats; (b) process: workflows or policies that emphasize speed, standardization, or broad accessibility at the expense of precision or nuance. It is often discussed as a spectrum rather than a binary category, with content ranging from mildly simplified to overtly superficial.

Criticism and applications: Critics warn that ondiepe approaches increase the risk of misunderstanding, disengagement of experts, and erosion of critical inquiry. Proponents argue that, when applied with guardrails such as disclaimers, layered information, or optional depth, ondiepe can improve engagement and reduce cognitive barriers for non-specialists.

See also: shallow information, information design, media literacy, cognitive load theory.