How social media affects attention span

In 2015, the magazine TIMES published an article that claimed that "the average human span is shorter than a goldfish’s". Although this statement was proven false, a lot of people are noticing that the time they can be focused is shortening. According to 'The Center for Attention Studies’ research, 49% of the public interviewed believe that their attention span has shrunk compared to the past. Is it true that we cannot focus due to our modern way of living? Scientists haven’t conducted a long-term study that could confidently prove it. However, there are multiple tests for attention measurement. When testing, it is important to acknowledge that there are different types of attention and that the results vary depending on age and other factors.

Different types of attention

"Attention allows you to ‘tune out’ information, sensations, and perceptions that are not relevant at the moment and instead focus your energy on the information that’s important." is the definition that is presented by psychologists. In opposing situations, we concentrate differently. The main types of attention are sustained, divided, selective, and executive.

It is simple to picture an example of sustained attention. When writing a test or an exam, we are focused on it until it is completed. It is the attention type that is expected to be learned during the education path. In contrast, divided attention, also known as multitasking, happens when we dedicate our attention to two tasks. Similarly, related attention occurs when the focus is moved from one thing to another. Multitasking might be a useful skill, but it is not always effective, as our brain can really concentrate fully on only one task. Selective attention is used when we simultaneously pay attention and block outside stimuli. Executive attention is rather similar, but it is more about prioritizing ruthlessly to achieve the goal.

Testing attention span

When it comes to how we know what our attention span is, there are several types of tests. One measures short-term attention and focus abilities; the other can tell how easily someone is distracted. These tests are frequently used when diagnosing ADHD, as people with it tend to have lower results.

Short-form visual content, communication, and attention

The modern lifestyle is filled with constantly changing streams of information. Social media undeniably has an impact on our lives, as it has become an important sphere of communication. Some might say that a shorter attention span is a necessity in a technologically advanced environment. Others may argue that information overload has a problematic outcome and shouldn’t be neglected. It is hard to say which side is right in this discussion, as there has not been a study to prove either one of these statements. Some research, however, can state that social media-type information has a negative effect on mental health, which correlates with the ability to focus. For example, a 2022 study (Huang et al.) showed that so-called short-form video applications (that are used by social media) have consequences such as work efficiency, exacerbating procrastination, and maladaptive behaviors. Media platforms such as TikTok have immense popularity among teenagers, which makes them more vulnerable to their effects. As a result, some of them have problems focusing on their education. On the other hand, citing a 2018 study, ‘Social media networks have become an imprint of our everyday life and […] the way people communicate and, in the way, organizations communicate and act. Social media is a component of individuals’ lives that continues to affect how humans socialize' (Carstens et al.).

Attention span is a crucial thing in everyday life, which is filled with distractions such as social media. However it is interpreted, it is important to adapt and keep the balance in a technologically advanced modern world.

Bibliography:

Snow, Shane. “Science Shows: Humans Have Massive Capacity for Sustained Attention, and Storytelling Unlocks It.” Forbes, 16 Jan. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/shanesnow/2023/01/16/science-shows-humans-have-massive-capacity-for-sustained-attention-and-storytelling-unlocks-it. Accessed 26 May. 2023.

London, King’s College. “Are Attention Spans Really Collapsing? Data Shows UK Public Are Worried – but Also See Benefits From Technology - King’s College London.” Are Attention Spans Really Collapsing? Data Shows UK Public Are Worried – but Also See Benefits From Technology - King’s College London, 16 Feb. 2022, www.kcl.ac.uk/news/are-attention-spans-really-collapsing-data-shows-uk-public-are-worried-but-also-see-benefits-from-technology. Accessed 26 May. 2023.

Hahn, Stephenie De. “Four Different Types of Attention.” SACAP Global, 10 Nov. 2022, global.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/types-of-attention. Accessed 26 May. 2023.

“What Attention Means in Psychology.” Verywell Mind, 10 Nov. 2022, www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attention-2795009. Accessed 26 May. 2023.

Huang, Qing, et al. “A Techno-psychological Approach to Understanding Problematic Use of Short-form Video Applications: The Role of Flow.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 13, Frontiers Media SA, Aug. 2022. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.971589.

Carstens, Deborah, et al. “Social Media Impact on Attention Span.” Journal of Management & Engineering Integration, vol. 11, no. 1, 2018.

“Attention Span - Wikipedia.” Attention Span - Wikipedia, 23 Oct. 2008, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_span. Accessed 26 May. 2023.