Stolen Focus

Why You Can't Pay Attention

No cover

Stolen Focus (2022, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc)

English language

Published Jan. 30, 2022 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

ISBN:
9781526620224

View on OpenLibrary

5 stars (2 reviews)

5 editions

An eye-opening book showing how the modern world is making us addicted to the constant flow of information, turning us miserable and constantly distracted

5 stars

I think Johann Hari did a great job at researching and covering the topic of how the way we currently live in the modern world does a great deal of harm to our minds. We are addicted to the constant flow of information, miserable, often unable to focus on tasks and involuntarily reaching for our smartphones for the so much craved shots of dopamine. It turns out that it's not really an individual issue anymore. In part thanks to our consumerist society, social media giants, food companies, pharmaceutical industry etc. which all have a financial incentive to have the world this way + other environmental factors outside of our control, it's impossible to come out clean out of this mess. As the author states, there isn't a simple solution to this problem. However, there are still certain strategies and techniques that you as an individual can employ to stay happy, …

Review of 'Stolen Focus' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Audiobook. Covers much that I already knew from “the social dilemma” (documentary) and “down the rabbit hole” (NYT podcast).
Powerful first half.
I felt unsure about the second half and reading some reviews here from folk with ADHD I wonder if he simplified too much there.
Enjoyed his voice and pacing, agree with many of his points.
Leaves us with very much of a “what do we do now”? problem though.