It seems that almost everyone owns a smartphone, a device that has proven to be as practical as it is distracting over the last decade. Thus, the apps and tools birthed since the release of the first iPhone have made deep, uninterrupted focus a challenge to obtain and maintain.
Cal Newport, a Georgetown University professor Cal Newport and author of the 2016 book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, argues that the ability to perform deep work is a rare skill but one that is increasing in its value, especially in the workplace. He defines “deep work” as “Professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration, that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit (Newport, 2016, p. 3)”. Unfortunately, digital distractions can and do prevent even the most diligent of academics and employees from reaching their full potential. Many psychologists and Silicon Valley technology engineers have gone as far as to compare the magnetic pull of social media apps to the allure of slot machines in Vegas. The time and mental energy that an increasing amount of smartphone users dedicate to maintaining a digital presence often results in low-quality work and strained relationships. We can’t stop smart technology from influencing our world any more than we can stop gravity. But what we can do is reevaluate the reasons why many of us feel addicted to our smartphones, understand what their psychological and behavioral impacts are, and make practical changes to reclaim our focus. Link to my white paper here.
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