The attention spans of children and adults alike have been slowly diminishing. Researchers call our attention span drop “The Goldfish Effect.” Why, you might ask. Well, since 2000, attention spans have dropped from 12 seconds to below 8 seconds, a significant reduction, which is less than that of a goldfish. These fundamental changes have made an alarming transformation to the way we consume information and entertainment. The fast-paced scenes in movies, TikTok videos accompanied by ASMR or Subway Surfers, and the ever-changing technological advancements have contributed to the low attention span that humans have today.
In my own life, I’ve experienced this with many different families that I nanny for. Occasionally, the kids I am tending to might be bouncing off the walls even when it’s close to bedtime, full of restless energy. Yet, as soon as I turn on “The Sound of Music,” they are fast asleep. Something about the soft songs and slow pacing mesmerizes them like nothing else can. Additionally, movies like “The Sound of Music” or “Mary Poppins” are a rare find these days. The pacing of those movies was slow, calm, and somewhat relaxing due to their scenes that may last a few minutes and shots that linger. In contrast, movies shot now are fast-paced, and scenes are very quick with shots that last a few seconds at most. The camera is bouncing everywhere, which causes overstimulation that can be both exciting and exhausting for those watching.
The iPad kids, labeled this due to their birth years being when iPads were invented, were our first real example of this shift’s impact. The babies born in 2010 were right alongside the birth of the iPad, which was immediately put in front of their faces from an early age. The immediate access to fast-paced, rapid-fire content at their fingertips has most likely shaped their cognitive development. We’ve seen this generation struggle to engage in activities that are inherently slower like reading, crafting, or even conversation.
Additionally, we have seen a troubling trend toward content creators adding gameplay videos side by side to their own commentary. These videos, often featuring Subway Surfers, ASMR, or slime-making, are designed to keep the viewer entertained. They blend multiple forms of media and entertainment, creating an environment that constantly demands attention. Additionally, constant notifications from our devices and the availability of information at our fingertips have created incessant distractions. This overwhelming stimuli causes divided focus, causing children and adults to struggle to concentrate on any one task for a long period of time.
As the world of technology continues to change, it’s important to realize the impact on our attention spans and work to make efforts to engage in activities that allow your brain to breathe. Simple things like limiting screen time, watching older movies and shows, or engaging in mentally stimulating hobbies, can help lessen the Goldfish Effect in your own life.
Source: Average Human Attention Span Statistics & Facts [2024]
