It's getting harder to focus every day
Many technologists report that sustained focus is getting harder in an always-online world designed to capture attention, with some describing phone and social media use as feeling like a hard-drug addiction. Commenters debate whether this is primarily a cultural and technological problem (information overload, algorithmic feeds, loss of boredom and daydreaming, “VAST” attention traits) or a medical one (undiagnosed ADHD, sleep issues, depression, burnout, long COVID). Suggested remedies range from strict “digital minimalism” and environmental friction (separate user accounts, blocking apps, going offline, reading physical books, long walks) to professional diagnosis, medication, and therapy, with broad agreement that deliberate boundaries around screens and notifications are now essential to preserve attention.
Information overload & attention environment
- Many see the core problem as information overload plus devices designed to hijack attention (social media, infinite scroll, notifications, short‑form video).
- Several distinguish “real information” (relevant, actionable) from endless “noise” that only looks like information.
- Some argue this isn’t just distraction but a deliberate attention‑extraction ecosystem; others say much of it emerged accidentally as tech improved (more multitasking, more UI surface).
ADHD, VAST, and diagnosis debate
- Multiple commenters suggest ADHD screening for people whose focus has deteriorated, noting late diagnoses are common and stimulants can be life‑changing for some.
- Others push back: diagnosis doesn’t automatically solve problems, drugs have side effects and are over‑prescribed, and not everyone wants or needs medication.
- A distinct but overlapping idea: a culturally induced “VAST” (variable attention stimulus trait) from constant stimulation that mimics ADHD symptoms in people who may be neurotypical.
- Sleep apnea, burnout, depression, and general stress are also cited as under‑examined causes of attention problems.
Boredom, daydreaming, and mental rest
- Many lament the “death of daydreaming”: idle mental wandering has been replaced by compulsive phone checking.
- Daydreaming is framed as a kind of “micro‑rest” that consolidates thought and supports creativity; losing it may contribute to fatigue and inattention.
- Some warn that unguided mind‑wandering can become negative rumination; structured practices (meditation, contemplation, walks) may be safer.
Practical strategies people use
- Increase friction: separate OS user accounts, no social apps on phone, uninstall or block addictive sites, phone in another room or backpack, grayscale screens, Do Not Disturb with tight whitelists.
- Change medium: e‑ink readers/tablets, physical books, paper notebooks, voice recorders; some even abandon smartphones entirely.
- Structure time: offline work blocks, “design walks,” pomodoros, body‑doubling tools (virtual coworking), scheduled “no‑internet” mornings or dopamine “diets.”
- Environmental tweaks: noise‑cancelling headphones, white/pink noise, clean desks, separate work vs non‑work spaces.
LLMs, coding, and flow
- Several note LLMs and coding agents amplify context switching: you hand off a task, tab away, and lose the thread even after the model finishes.
- Others find LLMs make the computer as addictive as social media, eroding traditional “flow state” in programming.
Broader cultural and workplace factors
- Open offices, Slack/Teams, constant availability norms, and fragmented tooling (tests, builds, flaky stacks) are seen as major focus killers.
- Some view current attention problems as nearly universal in tech, not just individual pathology; others emphasize personal discipline, boundaries, and lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, sleep, therapy).