IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON OUR ATTENTION SPAN

Introduction

Have you ever sat down to complete a particular task, yet only a few minutes later, you found yourself scrolling through Tiktoks, reels, or YouTube shorts? 

The increasing use of electronic devices has been the most significant and unsurprising reason for this. Social media has rapidly dominated the minds of Gen Z as a quick solution to momentary boredom. It can be as short as passing time on a lift or as long as waiting hours for a delayed flight. This usage makes our minds habituated to instant gratification as opposed to reading a 15-page essay for class. This inability to focus is slowly hampering all aspects of our lives, be it watching a slow movie scene or waiting for the microwave to ping.

Statistics

It has been discovered that people check their phones first in the morning rather than doing other mundane things. 77% of people ages 18–24 are associating themselves on the phone. It is quite surprising how we are associating our obsession with the phones by saying it is our basic need. Maybe this is what technology is doing to us—making us addicted to what has never been necessary.

 Early disclosure to phones and technology is affecting not only our eyes but also our attention spans. We sleep with our phones, but we don’t know what they are doing to us as they emit radiant energy that will have a phantom and long-term impact on our body.

 Concerns Related To short Attention Span

It has been rightly said, "Learning the art will be easier by listening." In the mediaeval ages, all people used to learn the art of listening rather than reading. But such learning has been replaced by social media. Right now, we are only consuming the art rather than learning it.Effects of a short attention span can be caused by things like ADHD, depression, head injuries, learning disabilities, etc.

 Increasing Short Attention Span

Working on one thing keeps our attention aligned on the same trajectory. People who are suffering from short attention span problems should practice this, as it will prevent us from dividing our undivided attention. We should practice and listen to other people, as it will not only help us to focus on one thing but also to listen to other people better, as we know humans learn better by listening.

While listening to others, we should focus on what they are saying rather than thinking about our response. Meditation teaches one to focus their attention on only one thing at a time. You should remove everything that is interfering with your concentration and focus, as it is another efficient way to increase your attention span.

 Conclusion

Social media has rapidly dominated the minds of Gen Z as a quick solution to momentary boredom. It has been discovered that people check their phones first in the morning rather than doing other mundane things. It is quite surprising how we are associating our obsession with the phones by saying it is our basic need. Early disclosure to phones and technology is affecting not only our eyes but also our attention spans. It is well worth the effort to learn the art. We should practice listening to other people, as it will not only help us focus on one thing but also help us listen to others better. Meditation teaches you to focus and undivided your attention on only one thing at a time. You should remove everything that is interfering with your concentration and focus, as it is another efficient way to increase your attention span.

References

1. https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-increase-attention-span
2. https://countercurrents.org/2021/04/impact-of-social-media-on-our-attention-span-and-its-drastic-aftermath/
3. https://muckrack.com/blog/2020/07/14/how-declining-attention-spans-impact-your-social-media
4. https://images.app.goo.gl/nTb4AfAxHZX8WAnS7
5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2022/08/05/tick-tock-and-tiktok-shorter-attention-spans-and-the-consumer-market/
6. https://www.mytutor.co.uk/blog/parents/educational-advice/attention-span-social-media/