Colman Noctor: Technology is reducing our children’s attention spans

"Technology is designed to tap into our innate desire for instant gratification. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube deliver quick bursts of entertainment, creating a reward loop that keeps us returning for more."

If children are engaging in their allocated screen time, encourage them to only focus on one task at a time. For example, if they are playing Roblox, discourage them from watching another platform at the same time. Picture: iStock

In today's hyper-connected world, our attention spans are rapidly diminishing. Once capable of immersing ourselves in books or complex tasks for hours, many of us now struggle to focus for more than a few minutes without checking a phone, switching tabs, or giving in to the lure of notifications. 

Technology, particularly smartphones, social media, and streaming services, has profoundly impacted how we allocate — and often squander — our attention.