The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux Gloria Mark, PhD: What's Happened to Our Attention Span and How Can We Regain Focus? (rerun)
Jul 30, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Gloria Mark, Chancellor’s Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine and author of 'Attention Span', discusses the alarming decline in our attention spans, now averaging just 47 seconds. She shares insights from her research on how digital distractions and multitasking deplete our focus. Highlighting the need for intentionality in our tech use, she advocates for prioritizing well-being, taking breaks, and valuing in-person interactions to combat stress. Gloria’s practical tips offer a pathway to regain control over our attention in a chaotic digital world.
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Attention Span Has Shrunk
- Average attention span on screens dropped from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to about 47 seconds recently.
- This kinetic attention reflects rapid switching between tasks and devices fueled by modern technology.
Switching Projects Costs Time
- Switching projects happens about every 10 minutes, and regaining focus takes an average of 25 minutes.
- Frequent switching induces a costly loss of efficiency due to cognitive switch costs.
Four Attention States Discovered
- Attention has nuanced states beyond simply focused or unfocused, including focus, rote attention, boredom, and frustration.
- People are happiest during rote attention when engaged but not challenged, which can help replenish mental resources.
