Attention Span
by Gloria Mark
A researcher who has measured attention on screens for two decades reports that average focus on one screen has dropped to under a minute, and explains the roles of interruption, self-interruption, rhythm and agency. It is scientific and non-judgmental, and it argues for working with your attention rhythms rather than against them.
Read it if…
you want the research on attention from someone who gathered it.
Skip it if…
you want a quick fix; this is understanding first, tactics second.
Three things you will actually use
- Work with your rhythm; peak focus is not all day.
- Reduce self-interruption; most switching is internal.
- Protect agency over your attention; design the day.
Do this first
Log your self-interruptions for one morning and notice when they cluster.
Our verdict
Measured and authoritative; the research behind the problem.
Compare with other Focus books
The Shallows
Nicholas Carr · Focus
Thoughtful and prescient; the argument behind the attention books.
CLICK TO SEE
Make It Stick
Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel · Focus
The authoritative popular book on learning; essential for students.
CLICK TO SEE
Browse all Focus book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
As an Amazon Associate, WisdomDeck earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked “Click to see” go to Amazon. We are not paid for opinions, prices and availability are not shown here and change on Amazon, and we never see your purchase details. Nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice.