The Joy of Info-Dumping: Why Sharing Our Passions Should Be Celebrated

Bridgette Hamstead

There is a particular kind of joy that comes from talking about something we love, something that lights up our minds and fills us with excitement. For many neurodivergent people, especially those of us who are autistic or have ADHD, this experience is known as info-dumping. It is the deep, enthusiastic sharing of knowledge, the kind of conversation where we lose track of time and speak with unfiltered passion about a topic that fascinates us. While society often frames this as something excessive, socially inappropriate, or even annoying, the truth is that info-dumping is a beautiful form of communication and connection. It is an expression of joy, curiosity, and deep engagement with the world, and it deserves to be celebrated rather than dismissed.

From a young age, many of us are taught that conversations should be balanced, that we should only speak for a certain amount of time before letting someone else have their turn, and that we should not go on and on about topics that others may not share our enthusiasm for. This can be an especially frustrating expectation for those of us who process and engage with the world through intense focus and deep dives into subjects that interest us. Our passions are not just hobbies or fleeting interests; they are ways of understanding, interpreting, and connecting with the world around us. Info-dumping is not just about talking at length; it is about sharing something meaningful in a way that feels natural to us.

For many neurodivergent people, info-dumping is also a form of emotional expression. While some of us may struggle with articulating our feelings in traditional ways, we come alive when discussing topics that we love. The excitement in our voices, the energy in our gestures, the way our eyes light up when we get to share what we know—this is a form of communication as valid as any other. When we are passionate about something, that passion is contagious, and it allows us to connect with others in ways that are deeply fulfilling. Dismissing or interrupting someone when they are in the middle of an info-dump is not just shutting down a conversation; it is shutting down a part of who they are.

One of the reasons info-dumping is so misunderstood is that it does not always follow neurotypical conversational norms. Many people expect back-and-forth exchanges with equal participation, but info-dumping does not always work that way. When we engage in deep conversation about our passions, we may forget to check in, we may speak quickly, and we may not notice if the other person is disengaged unless they signal it clearly. This does not mean we are uninterested in the people around us or that we do not care about their thoughts. It simply means that in those moments, our excitement takes over, and our brains are hyper-focused on sharing the information we have spent so much time learning and absorbing. Instead of seeing this as a social failure, it should be recognized as a unique and valuable way of engaging with the world.

Info-dumping is also an incredible learning experience, both for the person sharing and the person listening. Many of us spend years, even lifetimes, accumulating knowledge about our special interests. We engage with them in ways that are often deeper and more thorough than casual interest ever allows. When we share that knowledge, we are not just speaking to hear ourselves talk. We are offering insights, connections, and new perspectives. The information we share is often well-researched, carefully curated, and deeply thought through. In a world where expertise is valued in professional settings but dismissed in casual conversation, it is important to recognize that learning from one another should not be limited to classrooms or formal discussions. The knowledge we share through info-dumping is just as valuable as anything taught in traditional educational settings.

It is also worth acknowledging that many of us have had our info-dumping discouraged or shut down throughout our lives. We may have been told that we talk too much, that we need to tone it down, or that people do not want to hear about the things we love. This kind of messaging can be deeply harmful, leading us to mask our enthusiasm and suppress our natural ways of communicating. Over time, this can contribute to feelings of isolation and self-doubt. When we feel like our interests are not welcome in conversations, we may withdraw entirely or struggle to find people who truly appreciate us for who we are. This is why it is so important to create spaces where neurodivergent people feel safe to info-dump without fear of judgment or rejection.

We need to normalize and embrace the joy of info-dumping, both within neurodivergent communities and in society as a whole. This means shifting the way we think about conversations and making room for different styles of engagement. It means practicing active listening, even if the topic is not one we would normally be interested in, because the passion and joy behind it are just as important as the content itself. It means being patient with neurodivergent communication styles and recognizing that what might seem like "talking too much" is actually someone sharing a piece of themselves. It means valuing knowledge and passion in all its forms, whether it comes in neatly packaged soundbites or in long, enthusiastic explanations.

There are also ways to make info-dumping more reciprocal, so that both the speaker and the listener feel engaged. Setting up spaces where people can take turns sharing their interests creates an environment where info-dumping is encouraged rather than stifled. Finding friends, communities, or online spaces where others share our interests can help us feel more comfortable being ourselves. Even within relationships where interests do not always align, making time to truly listen to each other’s passions can strengthen bonds and create deeper understanding. There is something profoundly affirming about being able to share what we love without fear of being cut off or dismissed.

For those who do not naturally engage in info-dumping but know neurodivergent people who do, one of the best ways to support us is to simply listen and engage. Even if the topic itself is not something of personal interest, responding with curiosity, asking questions, and recognizing the enthusiasm behind the words can make all the difference. For many of us, being able to share our passions is one of the ways we show love, build trust, and connect with others. It is not just about the information; it is about the experience of being heard and valued for who we are.

The joy of info-dumping is something that should be embraced, not discouraged. It is a fundamental part of how many neurodivergent people experience and share the world. It is an expression of deep passion, endless curiosity, and a love of knowledge that deserves to be celebrated. Instead of silencing or shaming neurodivergent communication styles, we should be creating spaces where everyone feels welcome to share what makes them light up inside. In a world that often tells us to make ourselves smaller, info-dumping is a radical act of joy and self-acceptance. It is time we recognize it for the gift that it is.