ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The fight for focus in a world of distraction
The fight for focus in a world of distraction
The fight for focus in a world of distraction
Saturday 3rd January 2026
Explore how modern distractions impact focus and learn strategies to reclaim your attention in this insightful episode of All In The Mind.
30 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Educational
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Engaging
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Get the buttons here!The Battle for Focus: How Our Attention Spans Are Shrinking
Episode Overview
- Attention spans have decreased from two and a half minutes to 47 seconds.
- Modern distractions contribute to a culture of impatience and stress.
- Understanding personal attentional rhythms can help improve focus.
- Taking breaks is crucial for maintaining cognitive resources.
- The concept of 'yohaku no pi' encourages creating empty space for mental refreshment.
"The beauty of empty space helps our minds refresh."
What drives someone to seek a life without distraction? In this captivating episode of All In The Mind, journalist Sana Qadar takes us on a journey through the maze of modern attention spans. With distractions at every turn, it's no wonder we're all struggling to focus. Sana is joined by neuropsychologist Dr Emma Fitzgerald and her teenage son Seb, as well as Gloria Mark, Chancellor's Professor Emerita at the University of California, Irvine.
Together, they unravel the mystery of why our attention spans have shrunk from two and a half minutes to a mere 47 seconds over the past 20 years. Emma shares her personal struggles with focus in the digital age, revealing how even professionals aren't immune to the lure of social media and news sites. Meanwhile, Gloria offers insights from her extensive research into digital device usage, explaining how our habits and environment contribute to a culture of impatience and stress.
The episode doesn't just highlight problems; it also offers practical solutions. From embracing the beauty of empty space—yohaku no pi—to understanding your own attentional rhythms, listeners gain valuable strategies to combat distraction. So, if you're tired of feeling scatterbrained and want to reclaim your focus, this episode is a must-listen. How do you manage distractions in your daily life? Perhaps it's time to find your own yohaku no pi.