overmystification

Overmystification is a phenomenon where information is presented in a way that is unnecessarily complex or obscure, making it difficult for the audience to understand. This can occur in various contexts, such as academic writing, technical documentation, or even everyday communication. The term was popularized by the cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker in his book "The Language Instinct."

Overmystification can be detrimental for several reasons. It can alienate the audience, making them feel excluded or uninformed. It can also hinder the effective transmission of knowledge, as complex language can obscure the underlying ideas. Moreover, it can be a sign of poor communication skills or a lack of understanding of the audience's needs and abilities.

To avoid overmystification, it is important to consider the audience's background knowledge and the purpose of the communication. Using simple and clear language, avoiding jargon, and providing examples can all help to make information more accessible. It is also important to be aware of one's own biases and assumptions, and to strive for objectivity and transparency in communication.