What is the most valuable currency at the moment?
Gold, Bitcoin or USD? The reality is none of these. At present our attention is the most important currency. The pioneering psychologist William James described attention in 1890 as ‘the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought’.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The Internet has become an inherent part of our daily life. In the digital age we are bombarded constantly by information, which leads to more room for distraction. Whether it’s that message, email, or advertising cookie that comes up, the algorithm that brings up a feed that draws you in or even
that show that warrants a max out of all episodes in one sitting. The fact is that our brains have never been under such information overwhelm as they are now. Our environment has changed but evolution takes its time and therefore our brains will naturally feel the strain of digital overload.
A recent statistic from Ofcom in November 2024 showed that the average time an adult spends daily online is 4 hours 20 minutes, an increase of 20% since 2023. This was largely lead by use of social media sites. Research has shown that average attention span online has reduced from 21/2 minutes to 47 seconds since the early noughties. Hopefully you’ve held it so far.
Excessive digital content use is associated with depression, anxiety and insomnia as well as problems in working memory. With digital content one is more likely to shift attention
due to task switch and browser tabs as well as other pop-up distractions. Immediate ‘hits’ of neurotransmitters can get produced including dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline all of which have a direct effect on attention as well as mood amongst other things.
With constant neurotransmitter ‘hits’, brain circuits become less sensitised to these neurotransmitters. Therefore, a risk occurs of one spending more time to have the same effects, expending further energy. This can lead down a spiral of further harmful excessive use or even addiction. Little wonder many feel fatigued after long exposures to digital content. Shifting attention is actually quite stressful.
The fact remains that in this digital era and with Artificial Intelligence, our connection as human beings with technology will only accelerate. There is vast opportunity, however we have to be aware of potential impacts on health. We need interventions on a societal level but also have individual responsibility.
So, what can we do about it?
1. Arm yourself with knowledge. If you didn’t know about this before, now you do. Think about why you’re reaching for that smartphone. The potential time and energy expenditure. Is it a productive use of time or a distraction?
2. Make tasks time-bound and focus on one task at a time with a priority list. Our brains are wired to be monotaskers not multitaskers.
3. Review notifications, emails, messages as well as social media sites. Verify if these are adding value. Delete/disable apps as appropriate.
4. Put ‘focus mode’ on the smartphone which will allow muting of notifications.
5. Leave the smartphone, laptop, or tablet in a different room at the end of the day. You might find this tricky to begin with but with time it will get easier as the brain adapts.
6. Deep breathing, yoga and meditation have been known to improve the attentional circuits.
7. With regards children and teenagers, being aware of the potential impact on the developing brain is important. Studies have shown reduced attention span and lower cognitive performance with excessive smartphone usage. Restricting the amount of time on devices and digital platforms may be needed.
8. Think about a digital detox. Even going several hours without using devices can be beneficial for your attention. Identify times when you can do this, during weekends or holidays for example.
Stay healthy
Dr Niraj Singh @dr.nijs
www.drnirajsingh.co.uk
