The Liz Moody Podcast Top Attention Researcher: Our Attention Spans Are Down To 47 Seconds! Here’s How To Fix It
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Mar 12, 2025 
Dr. Gloria Mark, a psychologist and attention expert, reveals that our attention spans have plummeted to just 47 seconds thanks to technology. She discusses how social media hijacks focus, the stress of constant digital communication, and the myths surrounding multitasking. Dr. Mark offers practical tips for improving attention through mindful engagement, stress relief, and developing daily awareness. Learn why in-person interactions are more fulfilling and how understanding our cognitive rhythms can boost productivity and mental well-being.
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Shrinking Attention Spans
- Studies show attention spans on screens have decreased from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to 47 seconds around 2020.
- This decline is likely due to the rise of smartphones, social media, and the constant stream of online information.
Multitasking vs. Attention Span
- There's a difference between attention span and the urge to multitask.
- Media multitasking, like using two screens at once, contributes to attention fatigue.
Executive Function Fatigue
- Executive function, the brain's controller, helps filter distractions.
- Constant switching fatigues it, creating a cycle of increasing distractibility.
