Debunking the 8-Second Attention Span: We Are Smarter than a Goldfish

Uncover the truth about attention spans and discover empowering insights on focus and mental resilience in our in-depth exploration.

Introduction: 

You may have heard that the human attention span is decreasing. In fact, one study found that our attention has decreased from 12 seconds to just 8 seconds—one second less than that of a goldfish’s attention span. 

This study sent waves through the general public and panic at how to stop our declining attention spread. However, the actual picture is a bit more complicated than that. 

So, do we actually have the attention of a goldfish? It’s complicated. If you’ve watched a TV show or written an email or even talked to someone for longer than a few seconds, you’ve probably had to focus longer than 8 seconds. What does this study actually mean for our mental health, and should we be concerned? 

Myth or Fact: Human Attention Span Declined to 8 Seconds 

It’s complicated. 

The study this statistic is based on is not entirely conclusive: many researchers disagree with it and its methods and distilling a complex study to one fact isn’t how science works anyway. 

The study that pioneered the 8-second attention span was conducted by Microsoft’s Advertising department and included only 1200 Canadians. Already there is one obvious issue with attributing this study’s results to all of humanity: study size. 1200 people is a far cry from the 7 billion that populate the earth, and larger studies will have to be done to back up this claim. Also, this study only looked at the Canadian population. More studies must be done to attribute to gender, age, and region before any conclusive evidence can be claimed. 

Also, the 8-second attention span statistic may have originally come from a website called Statistics Brain, an SEO website, not a research or academic site. 

This isn’t to say Microsoft’s study was false, only that it was a small study that examined one small aspect of attention span—a huge field of research that we are still exploring and learning more about. 

Think about the last time you watched a really good TV show. Were you checking your phone every 8 seconds? No, more likely you were glued to the screen, watching the entire episode with one or two breaks. 

Netflix found that 73% of their users had binged TV at one point or another—watching at least 5 hours of TV in one setting. A goldfish couldn’t do that. 

Is our attention span decreasing? 

Although it’s not as bad as 8 seconds, it is generally agreed that human’s attention span has decreased. The truth is the attention span is complicated, and there are many different types of attention spans. For example, if you’re working at your desk and someone walks by you, you will probably glance up briefly—your attention is torn away from the task for a microsecond, but you are likely able to reenter the flow of attention with ease. 

There are 4 types of attention, according to common psychology researchers. Let’s look at each of these individually to determine if they are decreasing or not. 

Sustained Attention: Sustained attention is the ability to focus on a task or stimuli over an extended period. It involves maintaining concentration and vigilance, even in the face of distractions. Sustained attention is essential for tasks that require prolonged mental effort, such as studying for exams or working on a project. Building and strengthening sustained attention can enhance productivity and task performance in various aspects of life.

Example: Working on a project or studying for an exam

Selective Attention: Selective attention involves focusing on specific stimuli while filtering out irrelevant information. It enables individuals to concentrate on what is important while disregarding distractions. Selective attention is crucial in situations where prioritizing information is essential, such as listening to a speaker in a noisy environment or driving in heavy traffic. Developing selective attention can improve cognitive skills and decision-making abilities.

Example: Listening to what your friend is saying in a noisy room, ignoring coworkers walking by you as you work, etc. 

Divided Attention: Divided attention refers to the ability to concentrate on multiple tasks or stimuli simultaneously. It involves allocating cognitive resources effectively to manage multiple demands. Divided attention is necessary for multitasking activities like answering emails while participating in a virtual meeting or cooking while talking on the phone. Enhancing divided attention skills can improve efficiency and performance in today’s fast-paced world.

Example: Driving and listening to a podcast.

Executive Attention: Executive attention is a higher-order cognitive function that involves complex planning, goal-setting, and problem-solving. It enables individuals to regulate their thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve desired outcomes effectively. Executive attention plays a vital role in decision-making, self-control, and adaptability in various situations. Cultivating executive attention skills can lead to better self-management and overall mental resilience.

Example: Planning, goal management, emotional regulation, etc. 

Decreased Attention Span or Increased Distractions? 

The common theme among the four attention spans is the fight against distractions. The second you stop paying attention is the second you succumb to a distraction. And regardless of how you define attention or believe it is decreasing or not, one thing remains true: We have more distractions than ever. 

Did you know the average person checks their phone 144 times a day? That’s 144 little distractions that cut into your attention. 

So, the problem may not be that our attention span is decreasing, but rather we are forced to choose between so many different things to expend attention on. The brain does not run on limitless energy: it gets tired. If there is an easier thing to pay attention to—say Instagram Reels or TikTok rather than a work meeting—it will opt for that easier thing more often than not. And although social media has both pros and cons [insert link], it does cut into our time with the amount it distracts us. 

Be Smarter Than a Goldfish: Minimize Distractions

It’s true that people find it harder to concentrate on sustained attention tasks and are more likely to reach for their phones when things get hard. But it’s wrong to assume this is because the attention span itself is decreasing. Instead, we must look at the core of the problem: distractions. By minimizing the distractions around you, you can start to reclaim some of the attention span lost. 

To help minimize distractions and increase your attention span, here are some practical strategies you can try:

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Designate a specific area in your home or workplace for focused tasks. Make sure it’s organized, clutter-free, and free from distractions like television or noisy appliances.

2. Establish a Routine: Set a regular schedule that includes dedicated time for focused work or study. Having a consistent daily routine helps train your brain to anticipate and prioritize periods of focused attention.

3. Manage Digital Distractions: Turn off notifications on your phone or computer to minimize interruptions from social media, emails, or text messages. Consider using apps or browser extensions that block distracting websites during specific times.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to train your mind to stay present and focused. Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to improve attention span and reduce distractions.

5. Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks: Divide larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments. This approach helps prevent overwhelm and allows you to focus on one aspect at a time, increasing concentration and productivity.

6. Use Time Management Techniques: Utilize strategies like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in focused sprints followed by short breaks. Breaking your work into timed intervals can help maintain focus and prevent mental fatigue. [add link]

7. Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Taking care of your overall well-being enhances cognitive functioning and attention span.

8. Minimize Physical Distractions: Create an environment conducive to concentration by reducing noise levels (use earplugs or headphones if necessary) and ensuring comfort in terms of lighting, temperature, and ergonomics.

9. Use Task Lists and Visual Aids: Write down tasks, deadlines, and goals to help stay organized and focused. Visual aids like to-do lists or calendars act as visual reminders to prioritize tasks and stay on track.

10. Seek Support: Mental health issues such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression can all cause shortages in attention span, making it difficult to transition tasks or sustain attention on difficult tasks. If you’re facing persistent difficulties in managing distractions or maintaining focus, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide personalized strategies and support to improve your attention span.

Remember, implementing these strategies takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories to strengthen your ability to minimize distractions and improve your attention span.