Description

A groundbreaking new look at how we pay attention that can help us perform better – and be happier – in the digital world.
Psychologist Gloria Mark began researching how technology affects human attention when offices were first getting computers. Over the last 30 years, she has tracked changes in our attention spans and stress levels, and in the fundamental way our brains process information.

Now in Attention Span, Dr Mark shows how much of what we think we know about attention is wrong. She explores the current crisis of focus and productivity that is so deeply entwined with rising rates of anxiety and depression, and investigates what we might be able to do about it. Delving into the newly celebrated concept of ‘kinetic attention’, she introduces a more balanced understanding of the rhythm between deep focus and less focused states, which may actually serve to make us happier and more productive in the long term.

Publisher Review

'Interruptions are a fact of life. This has long been true, no fancy technology required, but today, we have bright, shiny technology, some deliberately designed to distract and thereby to interrupt. Gloria Mark's book is a thorough review of the impact these interruptions have on our lives and mental health. Some interruptions are welcomed, deliberately self-created. Most, however, are not. All interruptions impact the focus of attention, and attention is a critically limiting aspect of human cognition. Don't be distracted by my review - go read the book. It is an important and valuable contribution to living in this world of interruptions.' Don Norman, author of The Design of Everyday Things 'A must-read for anyone concerned about our diminishing attention span' Cal Newport, New York Times bestselling author of A World Without Email and Deep Work 'If you are interested in your well-being and how to gain agency in this digital age then you need to read this book' Susan David, bestselling author of Emotional Agility