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August 12.2025

2 Minutes Read

Your Attention Isn't Broken: Understanding Modern Obsession vs. Distraction

Discussion on modern attention crisis featuring a TED speaker.

Why Our Attention Isn’t Broken

In the ever-evolving world of technology, many believe our attention spans are dwindling, leading to a widespread panic about our cognitive abilities. However, historian Daniel Immerwahr challenges this narrative. He posits that rather than an attention crisis, we are witnessing a shift in our focus and motivations.

In 'Your attention span is not broken with historian Daniel Immerwahr | ReThinking with Adam Grant', the discussion dives into the contemporary views on attention, sparking deeper analysis on how technology influences our focus.

Obsession vs. Distraction: A Cultural Shift

Immerwahr argues that as our interests become more niche - think of fan communities or specific genres of content - our ability to concentrate may actually improve. Paradoxically, the age rife with distractions is also one of deep obsessions. Enthusiastic engagement in various communities suggests a redefined attention span where focus is not lost but redirected.

Lessons from History: Attention in Context

Historically, societies have panicked over emerging forms of entertainment. From novels in the 18th century to television today, these mediums were often viewed as detrimental to productivity and attention. Using history as a lens, Immerwahr emphasizes that concerns about attention are not new, suggesting we may be overreacting just as previous generations did.

The Importance of Engagement Over Duration

Today, video games capture audiences for hours, reviving intense focus that might come across as inconsistent, yet they offer robust cognitive engagement. By transforming how we think about attention, we can appreciate diverse forms of engagement—from TikTok to novels—rather than focusing solely on the duration of attention.

Moving Past Panic Towards Understanding

This conversation reminds us to recognize the value of various interests and forms of media rather than viewing shorter attention spans as inherently negative. Perhaps it's less about the attention span crisis and more about how we can engage our focus more meaningfully in a technology-driven age.

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Your Attention Isn't Broken: Understanding Modern Obsession vs. Distraction

Why Our Attention Isn’t Broken

Obsession vs. Distraction: A Cultural Shift

Lessons from History: Attention in Context

The Importance of Engagement Over Duration

Moving Past Panic Towards Understanding

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