In 2025, information is everywhere. So are distractions.
From TikTok trends to Slack pings, we live in a world that constantly demands our attention. Yet, while we swipe, scroll, and multitask, something vital is slipping through our fingers: focus. In an age where attention is currency, it’s time to ask, are we giving it away too freely?
Convenience Has A Price
Technology has been serving mankind in every way possible. We order groceries and receive our favorite products at home. We learn new languages whenever we want and even establish our businesses online. However, there is a problem: we can’t trust every platform. Most platforms are built to keep us engaged.
Think about this: an average person taps their phone more than 2,500 times per day. Isn’t that crazy? It’s not just a habit, it’s a whole plan, it is designed to keep us hooked and it eventually leads to habit development. You’re receiving notifications every other minute, autoplay clips or reels, and miles of scrolling; all of this is a feature; it’s not a flow. They just want your attention and your time. These features have algorithms that are designed to grab your attention.
But why is that? What does that mean?
Our Brains Are Built for Deeper Things
Our brains are built for deeper things; they require deep levels of focus if you want a good output from your brain. So, deep focus is what we need to incorporate into our lives, our creativity, productivity, and thought process, all come from deep focus. But digital platforms are flipping this system by forcing our brains to focus on shallow interactions.
Even YouTube is now changing its policies and replacing longer videos with YouTube Shorts. Shallow interactions like quick likes, a 15-second reel, and instant comments are all part of this one agenda. This is changing our natural brain functioning, rewiring it to decrease concentration as there is no need for that anymore. This is resulting in humans losing their ability to concentrate deeply for a long time.
This is not just bad for you, it’s bad for the whole world; the systems that humans are running are all at stake now. It’s affecting our productivity, we can’t focus on one thing, and our mental health is hitting rock bottom.
So What Can You Do?
The good news is that we can make some changes to reduce the effects of this digital problem. Forget about throwing your devices and living in jungles. Here are some tricks to utilize to get your focus back.
Be Mindful of Your Time
Ever heard of the Pomodoro technique? It’s great for times when you want to be super focused. You can set a timer for your work. Let’s say you need your deep focus for 25 minutes; set your alarm for the time. Put your phone on silent mode and keep it away from you. You will see an increase in your productivity levels.
Think about those times when you’ve waited for a business meeting or an airport pickup, like when you’re using a car service to JFK airport. That focused and undistracted time is gold for your productivity levels, just avoid scrolling on your phone and see the magic, the way your brain works.
Declutter Your Phone and Laptop
Now is the time for an app detox. Declutter your phone by removing apps that aren’t serving a clear or useful purpose. Turn off your notifications, except your important text messages and phone calls. Your phone is not a slot machine; it shouldn’t be ringing every 5 minutes.
Next time you book a Limo Service NYC for a formal event or business meeting, try utilizing that quiet and peaceful time to catch up on your phone meetings, readings, or plan your day with no distractions.
Incorporate Mindful Tech Use
Be mindful and present while reaching for your phone. Ask yourself, “Why am I reaching for my phone? Do I need to use this app now?” This pause between thought and action is very important; it can save you a lot of time.
Why This Matters More Than Ever?
Attention is becoming more and more rare and important with technology increasingly embedded in our lives. It is going to become even more special and precious with time. Businesses want your attention, but you can choose where you want to invest your time.
Call your power back, take control of your life and attention. It’s not just about being productive; it’s about living on your terms without giving digital companies what they want.