Chapter
The Shortening of Attention Spans
05:29 - 14:01 (08:32)
Our attention spans have shortened over the years, not just on devices but also with media like TV and film, which have an average shot length of four seconds. Self-generated distraction accounts for half of these disruptions, indicating that our nature has not changed even as we find ourselves having an attention span of 40 seconds or less while on devices - a far cry from the two and a half minutes we had 20 years ago.
Clips
Attention spans have been decreasing and are currently at 40 seconds or less, compared to two and a half minutes in the past.
05:29 - 09:15 (03:45)
Summary
Attention spans have been decreasing and are currently at 40 seconds or less, compared to two and a half minutes in the past.
ChapterThe Shortening of Attention Spans
Episode#584 - Dr Gloria Mark - How To Take Control Of Your Attention
PodcastModern Wisdom
Half of our distractions come from within ourselves, and with attention spans decreasing over the last 20 years, environmental changes may be impacting our internal state and causing us to distract ourselves more quickly.
09:15 - 11:41 (02:26)
Summary
Half of our distractions come from within ourselves, and with attention spans decreasing over the last 20 years, environmental changes may be impacting our internal state and causing us to distract ourselves more quickly. While notifications and targeted algorithms are a source of distraction, they aren't the only factors to blame.
ChapterThe Shortening of Attention Spans
Episode#584 - Dr Gloria Mark - How To Take Control Of Your Attention
PodcastModern Wisdom
Our attention spans have been decreasing not just for phones and computers but for TV and film as well, with shot lengths averaging four seconds nowadays.
11:41 - 14:01 (02:19)
Summary
Our attention spans have been decreasing not just for phones and computers but for TV and film as well, with shot lengths averaging four seconds nowadays. However, it is not accurate to say that it is the cause of our short attention spans.