Attention Span of Humans Shorter Than Goldfish; Digital Gadgets Affect Focus Says Microsoft Study

According to a recent study conducted by Microsoft, humans have shorter attention spans than goldfish. The study was conducted in Canada and it focuses on the effects of digital devices on the attention span of humans.

Over 200 Canadians participated in a survey, according to Medical Express. Additionally, 122 of the volunteers underwent EEG scans, allowing researchers to observe their brain activity.

The study followed Sohlberg and Mateer's 1987 Model of Attention, which involves timed results. The model acknowledges three types of human attention: sustained (prolonged focus); selective (maintaining focus despite distractions); and alternating (shifting attention between tasks or stimuli).

Aside from answering survey questions, participants were also requested to play games designed to measure attention span. They were also asked to watch different media outlets and engage in a number of diversions while their brainwave activities were being monitored through EEG scans.

According to Times Live, the human attention span dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds. Compared to the memory span of a Goldfish, which is 9 seconds, humans have a shorter attention span.

The study concludes: "Canadians [who were tested] with more digital lifestyles [those who consume more media, are multi-screeners, social media enthusiasts, or earlier adopters of technology] struggle to focus in environments where prolonged attention is needed."

Despite the seemingly gloomy outcome, humans have improved in multitasking. The study notes that "While digital lifestyles decrease sustained attention overall, it's only true in the long term. Early adopters and heavy social media users front-load their attention and have more intermittent burst of high attention."

In terms of the three types of human attention, the study basically concludes that sustained attention has dropped, while alternating attention has increased. Humans have become more efficient in absorbing information while multitasking due to digital devices.

The study further explains that people who are avid users of digital devices have learned to "front-load their attention." Basically, front-loading means that the brain has more bursts of high attention. These bursts allow people to look at one device, get the information they need from that device, and then move on to another device in a shorter amount of time.

Meanwhile in the selective type of attention span, the study reveals that people who use multiple screens—like watching TV while texting—get distracted easily. According to the Epoch Times, when the digital experience is passive, people have a harder time focusing. Hence, they are more susceptible to distractions.