Podcast

Inside Shazmin’s Head – Episode 10: We are all becoming goldfish

As attention spans get shorter, one’s inability to concentrate could be indicative of larger issues

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 08 Aug 2022 2:00PM

Inside Shazmin’s Head – Episode 10: We are all becoming goldfish
Goldfish are synonymous with short attention spans, but are humans now beating them at it? What does that say about society. – Pexels pic, August 8, 2022

HOW many of you looked at how long this podcast would be before deciding to click on that play button? If it’s more than x number of minutes, would that determine your decision to listen to this podcast? Will you actively listen to it without distraction, or will this be background noise as you do 10 other things at the same time? 

Distraction can be a blessing and a curse in this modern age and there are many studies that show just how short our attention spans are getting.

They say that the average attention span is down from 12 seconds in the year 2000 to eight seconds now. That is less than the nine-second attention span of your average goldfish.

Dr Joel Low shares some knowledge on the connection between attention spans and mental health. – The Vibes pic/Sairien Nafis
Dr Joel Low shares some knowledge on the connection between attention spans and mental health. – The Vibes pic/Sairien Nafis

In the always-connected world of social media, smartphones and hyperlinks in the middle of everything you read, it can feel that much harder to stay focused.

This week Dr Joel tackles our shrinking attention span, what it could mean for our mental health, and what we can do to increase focus in our daily lives. – The Vibes, August 8, 2022

Dr Joel Low is a clinical psychologist and director at The Mind Psychological Services & Training, and an exco member of the MSCP. He specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and works with a wide range of clients to help them reach their goals. 

If you would like to reach us, with questions, comments or a problem you’d like us to discuss, send us an email at: [email protected]

Produced by Shazmin Shamsuddin and sound engineered by Ethan Phoon.

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