54 pages • 1 hour read
Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--And How to Think Deeply Again
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Book Brief
352
Book • Nonfiction
2020s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Stolen Focus, Johann Hari explores the decline in people's ability to concentrate, attributing this shift to 12 primary factors, including digital addiction, sleep deprivation, stress, poor nutrition, and environmental issues. Hari discusses his personal struggle with maintaining focus, shares insights from experts, and suggests individual and societal changes to combat attention deficits and improve overall mental health. The book includes topics related to trauma, childhood experiences, and addiction.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
65,440 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Johann Hari’s Stolen Focus explores the decline in our ability to concentrate, blending personal anecdotes with research. Reviewers commend its engaging narrative and timely subject, but some criticize its anecdotal evidence and lack of novel solutions. Readers seeking an in-depth analysis of attention issues may find it valuable, though not groundbreaking.
Who Should Read Stolen Focus?
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari appeals to readers interested in understanding the decline in personal and societal attention spans. Fans of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows or Cal Newport’s Deep Work will find the exploration of technology's impact on focus and productivity compelling and informative.
65,440 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tristan Harris
Tristan Harris
An American technology ethicist and former Google Design Ethicist, who criticizes the addictive nature of social media and advocates for a humane approach to technology that prioritizes user well-being.
Charles Czeisler
Charles Czeisler
An American sleep science expert affiliated with Harvard Medical School, whose research on sleep deprivation and its effects on attention lends scientific support to arguments concerning attention deficits.
Lenore Skenazy
Lenore Skenazy
An American activist known for promoting children's unstructured play and independence, who advocates for the benefits of free play on child development and attention span.
Aza Raskin
Aza Raskin
An American technology entrepreneur and co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, recognized for his invention of "infinite scroll" and subsequent critique of its impact on attention and tech use.
352
Book • Nonfiction
2020s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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