Is It Really True That You Only Have an 8-Second Attention Span?

Summary

The article challenges the widely believed statistic that human attention spans have shrunk to a mere 8 seconds, suggesting that this claim may not be based on factual research.

Abstract

The article addresses the prevalent belief that the average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds in the year 2000 to 8 seconds today, a figure that is often compared unfavorably to the 9-second attention span of goldfish. This statistic has been cited by numerous reputable sources, including Time magazine, the Telegraph, the Guardian, USA Today, and the New York Times. However, upon investigation, the origins of this research appear to be unverifiable, as neither the National Center for Biotechnology Information nor the Associated Press could locate the original source. The article posits that the belief in shrinking attention spans persists because it resonates with personal experiences of both writers and readers. Writers feel that their work is not being fully appreciated, while readers often skim content due to the fast pace of life and information overload. The article suggests that instead of focusing on questionable statistics, individuals should value their time and use strategies like setting timers or writing goals to enhance concentration, likened to strengthening a muscle through practice.

Opinions

The author implies that the reported decline in human attention span is a myth, as the research backing this claim is unsubstantiated.
There is a perception among writers that readers do not spend sufficient time engaging with their content, which may contribute to the belief in diminished attention spans.
Skimming or speed reading is not inherently negative and can be an efficient way to process information quickly.
The author suggests that the feeling of reduced attention spans is influenced by factors such as television advertising, social media, and the busy nature of modern life.
Multitasking is seen as a counterproductive strategy for dealing with the perceived reduction in attention span, as it leads to divided focus and frustration.
The article encourages a shift away from an obsession with statistics about attention span and towards valuing one's time for learning, creating, and enjoying.
The author recommends practical methods, such as setting timers and writing goals, to improve focus and concentration, akin to exercising a muscle.

There is a popular myth that the attention span of both adults and children is shrinking.

The myth states that in 2000, the average attention span was 12 seconds, down to about 8 seconds now.

Apparently, those statistics were quoted in Time magazine, the Telegraph, the Guardian, USA Today, and the New York Times.

The statistics quoted were compared unfavorably with goldfish, who were reported to have an attention span of 9 seconds. Disturbing, right?

Well, good news! These statistics may not be true at all.

One writer who tried to contact the source of the statistics — the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the US National Library of Medicine, and the Associated Press — found that neither source could find any record of research that backs up the stats.

So why are people so ready to believe that attention spans are shrinking?

Because it feels true.

As a writer, it feels true that others are not spending time reading what we spend so many hours researching, writing, editing and publishing.

So we assume that the bulk of the reason is that the human attention span is not what it used to be.

If attention spans were longer, then droves of people would spend hours poring over our work, picking it apart for the nuggets of wisdom that are contained within and telling all of their friends and neighbors what a literary masterpiece they’ve discovered.

As a reader, though, most of us who write tend to skim.

Skimming or speed reading is not a bad thing. We know the value of information, and we know that our brains can read faster than reading out loud.

When I read, I skim over the information, only slowing if a point stands out to me that I feel deserves to be pondered.

If I’m reading for pleasure, however, I tend to read more slowly in order to relish the story, to luxuriate in the characters and their lives.

It feels true that attention spans have been affected by ads on television, by social media and just by the general pace of everyday life for any normal person with a million things to do.

We’ve tried to master it by multi-tasking, but that just splits your focus and instead of concentrating on finishing a single task, it ends up creating frustration.

Is It Really True That You Only Have an 8-Second Attention Span?

There is a popular myth that the attention span of both adults and children is shrinking.

Well, good news! These statistics may not be true at all.

What is the answer?

Just as with a muscle, the more time you spend focusing — really concentrating on what you’re reading, the easier it will get.

Your Imagination + Public Domain Works = ?

2022 Could be Amazing!

How Not To Watch Television

…can we talk?