Finite Attention Debate

The cluster discusses the finite nature of human attention as a scarce resource, criticisms of digital interfaces and media that distract and diffuse focus, and strategies for better concentration like mindfulness.

📉 Falling 0.5x Science
3,501
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#6823
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
7
2008
27
2009
67
2010
93
2011
73
2012
90
2013
153
2014
95
2015
132
2016
160
2017
198
2018
196
2019
230
2020
274
2021
288
2022
386
2023
383
2024
302
2025
326
2026
21

Keywords

HN TikTok YouTube McGilchrist NOW GPS sciencedaily.com TV MSN UI attention focus distraction distractions distracted tasks gps ui reading distract

Sample Comments

pbreit Dec 6, 2017 View on HN

Surely you can understand the downside of diffusing attention?

kordlessagain Sep 2, 2023 View on HN

Attention needs to be distracted, maybe.

mikeash Oct 15, 2015 View on HN

Attention is a finite resource, and stuff like this sucks it up like a sponge.

emmelaich Oct 10, 2024 View on HN

It's the 'paying attention' that is the problem.

ta988 May 24, 2023 View on HN

Reminds me of the infinite attention fallacy, where you show a video while someone is trying to read your article.

pteredactyl Aug 9, 2017 View on HN

Visual distraction is very real when trying to focus.

titzer Nov 25, 2019 View on HN

There certainly is finite attention span.

alangibson Oct 27, 2025 View on HN

Because you don't have unlimited attention

thedaemon Oct 26, 2017 View on HN

Attention spans are different now.

ErrantX May 9, 2010 View on HN

Consumption is not the problem; distraction is.