The Velvet Type

By: Kassandra Lippincott

Is our Attention Span Evolving with or without technology?

With revolutionary technologies consuming society, questions loom over everyone if this is a good or bad thing. Over the course of a decade, we have seen an introduction to various new, and further developing social media platforms. They consume everyone’s time whether it’s extended periods or just a short and brief scroll. With countless information and constant mental stimulation accessible at our fingertips, how does it affect us?

Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be doing research on how constant access to mentally stimulating virtual content affects individuals. I plan to develop my research strategically, gradually diving deeper into the topic to come to a consensus that revolves around the question:

Today we start with the basics, what science says about attention through various unspecified consumed media. There are various studies performed in relation to the topic.

When looking at scientific research, it’s found to be difficult to pinpoint exact statistics. The brain is already very complex and to this day, not entirely understood to the fullest extent. Various technologies and sites have been designed to maintain the attention and focus of viewers. Whether it’s a media application or a shopping site, they are systematically designed to grab the attention of everyone.

Some studies have gone on to explain how, “extensive interactions with this novel feature of society (referring to social media networks) could influence our attention, memory, and other aspects of cognition“. It is such a complex topic, the brain itself is malleable and absorbs what it’s exposed to through voluntary decisions. Due to the rapid advancements of technologies, there have only been more questions asked about its effect on the brain and day-to-day function.

What Information is Available for the public?

When you simply ask google, it doesn’t hesitate to give you endless articles on how “Social media is shortening our attention spans” with little to no research backing up their claims. They are quick to offer ‘quick fix solutions’ on bettering our attention spans. I’m sure there is a large population of individuals concerned over this issue and experiencing it first hand but where are the statistics? The data?

From what I can conclude from today’s research is this; social media consumption does affect the brain. There are scientific research studies being conducted to further identify factors of this phenomenon but it only leaves me with more questions. Is there a genuine concern for an individual’s declining attention span? Does this issue reach into other aspects of someone’s life like multi-tasking and or learning?

Mainstream media has a lot to say about the topic which is what I am going to take the time and look into next!

Sources:

• The Role of Attention in Learning in the Digital Age
• Exploring the Impact of Internet Use on Memory and Attention Processes
• How hardwired is the brain? Technological advances provide new insight into brain malleability and neurotransmission