This post is my distraction from writing! Great piece, and comparing the distractions to slot machines is spot on. The difference for me is not trying to play slots while I'm working. :) Honestly, Don, I'm going to risk the continued growth of my own newsletter by staying away from Substack Notes as much as possible: It's not only distracting, but stressful, watching writers puff each other up to build audiences. It makes me nauseous within seconds, for all kinds of reasons. And nothing harms my attention span like FOMO (fear of missing out). What a buggered-up world this is.
It's not always the case of not having the patience to read something, but that I don't have the time or bandwidth to absorb and perhaps follow up on what I've read. I defer the read til I'm in a more focused & motivated headspace. But I do enjoy pet videos and on-line jigsaw puzzles when I need a kind of mental "palate cleanser".
This is so me! I have ADHD—which was not “a thing” when I was a kid, hence the countless “I will not talk in class” punishments that never worked. Device’s make it hard given all the instantaneous distractions, plus multiple screens to look at in a single moment. Great piece, Don.
I read the article without stopping to do anything else. Then I went to leave a comment and was redirected….my attention was stolen. But I came back. Great article as usual. Lots of truth!
You caught me scrolling, Don! First thing in the morning while I wait for my coffee to percolate. I have devolved from the attention span of a dog to that of a flea. Great post.
My focus has been stolen. So true. Another very interesting piece with food for thought. Thank you.
This post is my distraction from writing! Great piece, and comparing the distractions to slot machines is spot on. The difference for me is not trying to play slots while I'm working. :) Honestly, Don, I'm going to risk the continued growth of my own newsletter by staying away from Substack Notes as much as possible: It's not only distracting, but stressful, watching writers puff each other up to build audiences. It makes me nauseous within seconds, for all kinds of reasons. And nothing harms my attention span like FOMO (fear of missing out). What a buggered-up world this is.
Annette, I haven't found much use for Notes myself.
So glad to have such august company! Your work is so compelling and useful, and that's what matters. :)
Thank you! I feel the same about your work.
It's not always the case of not having the patience to read something, but that I don't have the time or bandwidth to absorb and perhaps follow up on what I've read. I defer the read til I'm in a more focused & motivated headspace. But I do enjoy pet videos and on-line jigsaw puzzles when I need a kind of mental "palate cleanser".
That's a very positive way to think about it. I may steal it.
This is so me! I have ADHD—which was not “a thing” when I was a kid, hence the countless “I will not talk in class” punishments that never worked. Device’s make it hard given all the instantaneous distractions, plus multiple screens to look at in a single moment. Great piece, Don.
I'm commenting after a four minute detour to watch a Mad Men clip on YouTube.
I admire how you get into the spirit of the piece.
I enjoy the topics you write about and your views.
Bill, I appreciate that so much. Thank you!
I read the article without stopping to do anything else. Then I went to leave a comment and was redirected….my attention was stolen. But I came back. Great article as usual. Lots of truth!
Thanks, Kathy!
I’m with Jackie! My attention span is shot. Great piece as usual! I’d say more but, well, I just don’t have the attention span!!
Susan, I know exactly what you mean.
You caught me scrolling, Don! First thing in the morning while I wait for my coffee to percolate. I have devolved from the attention span of a dog to that of a flea. Great post.
Thanks, Jackie. But if you limit the scrolling to perc time, I would say it's under control.