Sketchplanations - The Podcast Continuous Partial Attention
Coined in the 1990s by Linda Stone, Continuous Partial Attention describes the state of being constantly connected; trying to do multiple things at once, which often leads to an ever-present, low-level form of stress. We explore how this phenomenon affects modern life, compare it to multitasking, and discuss both its positive and negative aspects. The podcast also highlights how technology has exacerbated this issue and considers potential solutions, such as mindfulness and turning off notifications, to better manage one's attention.
Links to stuff we discussed:
Video of Woman who Walks into Fountain Whilst Texting
The Film: Her, starring Joaquin Phoenix.
Other Sketches and podcast episodes referenced:
Phone Zombie sketch
Hegel's Dialectic: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis sketch
Yak Shaving episode and sketch
5 Ways to Wellbeing episode and sketch
Everyone's a Geek About Something episode and sketch
How to Instantly Feel Better episode and sketch
Picking the Perfect Present episode and sketch
Buy Jono's Book: Big Ideas, Little Pictures, for a loved one this Christmas - The Perfect Present and then some...
Summary
00:00 Introduction to Continuous Partial Attention
01:31 Depicting Continuous Partial Attention in a Sketch
04:25 Personal Experiences with Continuous Partial Attention
05:54 The Impact of Technology on Attention
08:49 Multitasking vs. Continuous Partial Attention
11:15 The Challenge of Staying Focused
17:05 The Role of Continuous Partial Attention in Different Professions
20:38 The Dilemma of Turning Off Notifications
21:15 Balancing Work and Family Life
22:03 The Art of Multitasking
22:59 The Pitfalls of Continuous Partial Attention
23:49 Turning Cognition into Automation
25:25 The Rise of Single Tasking
27:54 The Productivity of Focused Work
32:07 The Future of AI and Continuous Partial Attention
34:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.
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