Attention Span by Gloria Mark: Book Overview & Takeaways

A woman reading a book in her living room

What’s the book Attention Span about? Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be productive? In her book Attention Span, Gloria Mark draws from decades of research on how the human brain spends its mental energy, the many ways we become distracted, and how our capacity to focus fluctuates. She also explores the different modes of attention and how we can reclaim our attention from the distractions of the modern world. Read more in our brief Attention Span book overview.

What Does Attention Mean? It’s More Complex Than You Think

The word "Attention" on a chalkboard, as part of a lesson teaching what attention means

What does attention mean? What’s the difference between executive and automatic attention? In Attention Span, Gloria Mark argues that defining attention isn’t as easy as it sounds—since we use the word “attention” as an umbrella term for a variety of cognitive behaviors. Mark starts from the traditional definition of attention and expands it to include automatic and dynamic factors that affect where your mind directs its focus. Keep reading if you want to learn more about the complex meaning of attention.

The 4 Types of Attention in Psychology & What They Mean

A student showing one of the four types of attention in psychology in a classroom

What are the different types of attention in psychology? What purpose does each of these attention modes have? Gloria Mark’s book Attention Span explains the different types of attention and the internal factors that shape them. These modes of attention wax and wane over time, so instead of fighting against certain types of focus, your goal should be to balance them to sustain your cognitive reserves. Continue reading to learn about attention’s highs and lows in each state.

The Importance of a Routine (The Secret to Productivity)

The Importance of a Routine (The Secret to Productivity)

How can a routine help you be more productive? Why is mechanical attention important for those who get easily overwhelmed? The difference between Gloria Mark’s views on attention and those of traditional productivity experts is her emphasis on the value of mechanical attention. Mark’s book, Attention Span, shows that routine tasks requiring only mechanical attention are key to bolstering your mental reserves and, by extension, your productivity. Below, we’ll look at the importance of a routine in your daily life.

Why Is It So Hard to Focus? It’s Not Just Technology’s Fault

A woman finding it hard to focus and looking out the window during work

Why is it so hard to focus these days? Do we have an unlimited amount of mental energy to use? The biggest problem we face when trying to be productive is that the things that distract us seem limitless, especially now that the digital world has infiltrated every aspect of life. However, Gloria Mark’s book Attention Span says our devices aren’t entirely to blame. Let’s look at the real reason why you and so many others may find it hard to concentrate on simple tasks.

What Are Internal Distractions? Your Mind’s Fallacies

A woman holding her head from the internal distractions

What are internal distractions? How does your personality determine how often you get distracted? When your mental reserves run low, you’re vulnerable to attention-sapping pitfalls, some of which are internal and some beyond your control. According to Attention Span by Gloria Mark, your personality can make you more susceptible to getting distracted easily. Continue reading to learn about the internal distractions that are ruining your ability to focus.

Why Multitasking Is Bad: The Psychological Toll It Takes

A woman trying and failing to do several things at once because multitasking is bad

Do you multitask often? What are the negative effects of doing several things at once? Even more pernicious than frequent interruptions is the pressure to do several things at once. Multitasking is now part of the world we live in, and it comes with significant cognitive and physiological costs. Discover why multitasking is bad and the psychological toll it has on your brain.

Are Distractions Good? The Pros and Cons of Losing Focus

A man texting on his phone at work, showing that distractions are good sometimes

Are distractions good, or are they really as bad as we think they are? How can interruptions lead to more productivity? In addition to internal distractions, you deal with constant external interruptions every day, which are equally tricky—if not harder—to contend with. While distractions are still bad altogether, they can come with some positive effects. Let’s look at the pros and cons of distractions and some of the benefits you can gain from getting off track.

How Does Social Media Affect Attention Span? (Gloria Mark)

A woman scrolling on her computer, showing how social media affects attention span

Do you find yourself scrolling through social media for hours? How does social media affect attention span? While online algorithms sometimes direct us from one static website to another, Gloria Mark writes in Attention Span that the bulk of algorithmic attention control revolves around social media platforms. She says these sites sap away our focus by leaning on our desire for validation and our basic human nature. Keep reading to learn how sites like Instagram and TikTok take a toll on your ability to concentrate.

How to Increase Concentration Power: Find a Healthy Balance

A man working on his computer and increasing his concentration power at work

Are you ready to be more productive? How does working with distractions help you focus more? In Attention Span, Gloria Mark acknowledges that even though many external factors shape our behavior, we still retain some ability to choose how we act. You just need to learn how to take back most of the brainpower you use to concentrate. Read more to learn how to increase your concentration power, including when to surrender to distractions.