Attention Span in Adults: Is It Getting Worse… and Is That by Design?

I keep hearing adults say, “I can’t focus like I used to.” Same. And I don’t think it’s because we suddenly lost discipline. I think it’s because we’re living in a world that fights for our attention all day long.

First, let’s clear something up: the “8-second attention span” thing isn’t true. It’s a myth. What is true is that most of us are being trained to switch our attention constantly… and that makes deep focus harder.

Here’s what I’ve noticed in my own life: it’s not that I can’t focus, it’s that I’m interrupted nonstop. Notifications, texts, email, social feeds, “just checking one thing”… it adds up. And honestly, a lot of apps are built to pull you back in because engagement is the business model. Not a conspiracy, just how they make money.

A few things I’ve tried that actually help:

Turn off most notifications. If it’s not a real human or urgent, it doesn’t get to interrupt my brain.

Create one daily focus block. Even 30 minutes, one task, no bouncing.

Single-task on purpose. One screen, one goal, one next step.

Quick reset when I feel scattered:

Inhale through your nose, take a quick second “top-off” inhale, then a long slow exhale through your mouth. Do it 2–3 times. It settles my system fast so I can refocus.

Bottom line: I don’t think our attention is “worse.” I think it’s getting pulled. And when I protect it, even a little, I get my clarity back.

Less scrolling. More steady.

P.S. If this made you think about how much your attention gets pulled during the day, you’re not alone. Follow the new Living LIT Facebook page for regular shares of reflections and simple practices to help you reclaim focus, calm your nervous system, and live with more intention.