Mmegi

The global pandemic of shortening attention spans

Divided attention: Attention spans are shortening globally and social media giants are cashing in
Divided attention: Attention spans are shortening globally and social media giants are cashing in

I’d bet good money that even as you read these words, you’re probably doing another task, perhaps listening to the TV in the background, following updates on another device perhaps. It’s not just you; it’s a scientific fact that we’re all struggling to pay due attention and that’s my suggestion as a New Year’s Resolution - focus more.

I had a moment of realisation the other day. In fact, it was my son who pointed it out. I was scrolling through social media on one phone and reading an article on my other phone. The television was on in the background and I was actually following the hilarious debates on Judge Judy!

Some decades ago, multitasking became the in-thing, the desirable corporate skill that would win you great jobs and earn promotions. From a purely capitalist point of view, multitasking sounds like the kind of efficiency and productivity that sets one corporate ahead of the other.

Editor's Comment
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