Honestly: Your Attention Didn't Collapse. It Was Stolen.
The average American adult spends over three hours a day staring into their phone. If you’re a teenager it’s even worse – seven hours. What’s really troubling is that in study after study, people say that they want to be looking at their screens less. They just don’t know how. They’ve lost control.
Johann Hari interviewed over 200 of the world’s leading experts on focus and attention for his new book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again. What he found was that your attention didn’t collapse. It’s been stolen from you. So on today’s episode, while everyone is busy debating what Elon Musk is doing to Twitter, Johann explains what Twitter is doing to all of us.
I probably spend at least 3 hours a day on my phone, but not social media.
It’s reading articles (like Substack), Kindle books, and hobby forums.
Comments like this and posting on technical and hobby forums are as close as I come to social media.
My grown daughters get mad because I don’t keep up with them and their families on Wastebook. But my attitude is (and has always been) if you want me to come to your child’s school play or tell me about your trip, have the courtesy to call, come by, , email pictures (which I might not see) or at least text.
I regard broadcasting messages,, whether social media or work emails, to be lazy, inconsiderate, and arrogant. People get spammed enough with messages. Instead of blasting your message to your whole organization or every FB friend, show the the respect and courtesy due to people you want/need to communicate with and engage them, at the same time sparing everyone else from having to sift through more spam.
Having this much information literally in my pocket is amazing.
I miss reading the newspaper, but have you seen one lately? Not just the propaganda, but how little you get for your money.
Every so often you listen to a podcast that makes you realize the whole world would benefit from listening. Regardless of political affiliation, race, creed, socioeconomics, or religion. This is that podcast. Interview with Johann Hari who’s written a book called Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention And How To Think Deeply Again. It is a riveting interview and I’ve listened to it 3x now. I’m also having my kids and husband listen bc its message is that critical for our society. Bari I just want you to know I posted the above to my Facebook account with the link to this podcast in the hopes that others will have a listen. I love all your podcasts but this one really was exceptional. Looking forward to reading Johann's book. Thank you for continuing to churn out great media. You are appreciated!