Stolen Focus
by Johann Hari
How Our Attention Was Hijacked (And How To Get It Back)
12
Chapters
67+
Action steps
12
Minutes
AI PERSONALISED
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Preview — Chapter 01: The Increase in Speed, Switching, and Filtering
Modern life pushes us to do everything faster—scroll quicker, switch tasks constantly, and skim instead of read. On the surface it feels efficient, but underneath, it destroys depth. When attention is pulled in many directions at once, the brain never fully immerses in anything. The result is shallow engagement, where we process a lot of information but absorb very little. Speed has a hidden cost . Each switch drains mental energy, leaving us more tired and less able to focus. Filtering through endless feeds and notifications gives the illusion of productivity, but it erodes the capacity for sustained thought. Instead of concentrating, we learn to jump, skim, and move on quickly. Over time, this rewires the brain away from focus and toward distraction. Breaking free means recognizing that faster is not always better. Slowing down, doing one thing at a time, and resisting the urge to constantly switch are small acts of rebellion against a system designed to fragment attention. Depth takes time, and reclaiming it begins by stepping out of the cycle of speed.
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