Even as I write this review, I can feel my eyes drift towards my phone. Maybe I missed a message? There’s an unread Instagram notification - could be something interesting? Even away from technology, my mind still wanders: What are we eating tonight? Do I need to pick anything up on the way home? Have the kids done all their holiday homework?
I am increasingly aware of how difficult I find it to concentrate. And I’m not the only one.
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari is a detailed and thoughtful investigation in 21st century problems with paying attention.
He opens with his own experiences of going ‘off-grid’, leaving behind the world of the internet in an effort to avoid distraction. It works – temporarily – but is an impractical and short-term solution.
He goes on to interview giants of the technology and social media which now dominate our lives – with revelations which are by turns insightful, fascinating and somewhat terrifying.
However, it is the exploration of other drains on our brain power which are truly eye opening. For it isn’t one single thing which stops us from focusing: our diet, our sleep patterns, our jobs, even our education system are all considered as factors which stop us from paying attention, leading in turn to lower levels of productivity, satisfaction and mental wellbeing.
This book is insightful and fascinating. Full of stories, facts and interviews which illuminate every aspect of the topic, it really strikes a chord.
I have in no way conquered my tendency to distraction, but every time my mind wanders now I remember the wisdom in this book, and at least feel more aware of the reasons, and a little more capable of dealing with them.
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