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Our Attention Span is Shrinking in the Digital Age
Strategies to focus in a distracted world
In an era defined by the internet and digital devices, concerns about shrinking attention spans have become increasingly prevalent. Let’s delve deeper into the phenomenon of decreasing attention spans, explore the different types of attention, discuss the consequences of multitasking and rapid attention switching, and present strategies for managing attention in a distracted world.
Understanding Different Kinds of Attention
Psychologist Dr. Gloria Mark’s research sheds light on the various types of attention we experience in our daily lives. Focused attention occurs when individuals are fully engaged and mentally challenged by a task, typically during specific times of the day. This focused state of mind allows for deep concentration and optimal performance. Conversely, rote activity refers to less challenging activities that still engage us, such as playing simple online games or browsing social media. Rote activities tend to occur uniformly throughout the day, often serving as temporary distractions.
Studies conducted by Dr. Gloria Mark and her team have revealed a concerning decline in attention spans over the past couple of decades. Through the use of logging techniques, they found that the average attention span on any screen decreased…
