Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--And How to Think Deeply Again

Un libro da leggere pian piano, crea molti pensieri e fornisce infiniti spunti sulla nostra esistenza frenetica. Veramente non avevo mai pensato e visto gli aspetti che Hari esplica con la massima accuratezza e precisione di informazioni. Mi sta dando molta centratura ed equilibrio.

Me encantó este libro

Stolen Focus offers a powerful critique of the attention crisis plaguing modern society. Hari compellingly reframes the issue, moving away from dismissive comparisons to past obsessions like comic books or video games. Instead, they explain how today’s "stolen focus" is a systemic phenomenon, shaped by factors such as the overwhelming flood of information, the addictive designs of social media, and the economic incentives driving Big Tech. The book highlights that the root cause is not individual weakness but structural forces that demand collective action and policy change to address. Hari also delves into deeper societal questions, pointing out that the development of digital technologies comes with negative externalities, akin to environmental issues stemming from economic growth. The book argues that just as society has responded to environmental challenges with regulation, we must address attention exploitation by curbing the addictive mechanisms of digital products. In addition to discussing the role of Big Tech, the book explores other contributors to the attention crisis, such as changes in the food industry, chronic sleep deprivation, and the erosion of flow states. While these points are well-researched and supported by expert interviews, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories, the structure of the book could be improved. The author lists over ten causes of the attention crisis, but they often feel like isolated points rather than an interconnected framework. A more hierarchical or layered approach to these arguments would make the overall narrative more cohesive. Despite this structural issue, Stolen Focus succeeds as both an informative and thought-provoking work. Written from a journalist's perspective, it balances scientific rigor with readability, capturing the reader’s attention through vivid storytelling. It leaves the reader with a stronger awareness of their digital habits and the societal implications of attention exploitation. This book is not only a wake-up call for individual action but also a compelling case for systemic reform. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand and reclaim their focus in the digital age.

A bit smaller reading words

Book Review: Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention by Johann Hari Stolen Focus is an eye-opening exploration of why so many of us feel perpetually distracted and mentally foggy in today’s world. Johann Hari delves deep into the societal and systemic factors that undermine our ability to focus, highlighting how businesses and technologies compete relentlessly for our attention, often at the expense of our mental clarity and well-being. What sets this book apart is its mix of personal anecdotes, scientific research, and cultural critique. Hari doesn’t just explain why we struggle with focus—he also tackles the guilt many of us feel about it. Instead of blaming individuals for their inability to concentrate, he points to larger forces at play, showing that our challenges are not personal failings but symptoms of a deliberately designed attention economy. The book doesn’t stop at diagnosing the problem. Hari offers practical solutions to help individuals reclaim their focus and discusses an intriguing, larger-scale concept at the book’s conclusion that invites societal change. This final idea is both bold and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of empowerment and possibility. For anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the constant pull of notifications, social media, and endless tasks, Stolen Focus is a must-read. It’s not just a guide to better focus—it’s a call to rethink the systems shaping our lives. Personally, I found it mind-blowing and profoundly validating, offering both clarity and hope in equal measure. (Written by myself with the help of AI)