Defragging My Attention: Followup

Some additional reading on retaining (retraining) your attention

I wrote a long post last week on how I’m trying to defrag my attention span. It’s obvious I’m not the only one trying to reclaim focus in 2025.

But, over the last week or so I’ve read a couple other things that are definitely in synch with the intent to re-establish our attentional footing.

Swedish Schools Are Going Back to Paper - This is the first example of a move back to manual and analog learning but I bet we see much more of this. I’m relieved our children got through elementary school before it was infused with screen learning.

Chris Hayes on His Own Fight to Deal with the Screens - I like his writing, and I appreciate the candor in telling his story. Not going to buy the book; I will lash myself to the mast and avoid buying yet another book on attention (yes, I get the irony there). You could also listen to the discussion between Hayes and Ezra Klein where they discuss “Attention” as a persuasion tactic used by some political leaders to entrance a populace who can’t (or won’t) look away.

We all need to sharpen a skill: Critical Ignoring (via Kottke.org) - Really fascinating take on what we all sort of knew was true. Our ability to cut through the crap and ignore the BS is a powerful skill. But, we have to hone it as the AI Slop and bad actors run roughshod over the commons of the internet. From the abstract:

Teaching the competence of critical ignoring requires a paradigm shift in educators’ thinking, from a sole focus on the power and promise of paying close attention to an additional emphasis on the power of ignoring. Encouraging students and other online users to embrace critical ignoring can empower them to shield themselves from the excesses, traps, and information disorders of today’s attention economy.

Brad Berens has a really thoughtful take on the project. His argument is that our improved attention actually helps other grow and expand. That is, if we’re able to give full focus and attention on others, both parties benefit. It’s such a powerful insight, but also deeply clear in hindsight. Here’s the key quote: “When you train your focus on other people, it doesn't have to be a tax. It can be a gift.” It also makes me think of the emotional responses people had to “The Artist is Present”.

We can’t all be Marina, but we can give the gift of being fully present. I promise I won’t “critically ignore” you when we meet for coffee.