Study: Tech and our attention span

“It’s even happening to me!” lamented a reader recently. He explained that he usually reads the articles in this column all the way through, but this one particular day, he could not stay focused long enough to reach the end. He had heard the reports that the average person’s attention span is rapidly decreasing due to distractions brought on by the digital age. Graciously, he attributed his inability to finish reading my article to a defect of modern society.

Whether or not shrinking attention spans are a defect or a mere evolution (devolution?), most of us are beginning to notice that we can’t keep our minds focused for very long before we are distracted.

A 2013 Google report cites research stating that 90 percent of multiple device owners switch between screens to complete tasks. That same report stated that most people use an average of three different devices at the same time! It appears that the Digital Age is conditioning us to become dissatisfied with committing our attention to a single purpose. Whether due to actual distractions or FOMO (fear of missing out), we can’t keep our eyes on a single device for very long.

What about physical reading materials? A few years ago, I heard that there was some emerging research that suggested shorter retention of information read on a screen versus print. Since then, studies have swayed back and forth between supporting that notion and denying it. The most recent research I have found cites a study published by Business Insider in October 2017. They conducted three different studies on college students who were considered to be “digital natives;” people who began using digital technology from an early age. The students preferred to read digitally, and judged their comprehension to be better online than in print. However, the results showed the opposite conclusion: The student’s overall comprehension was better for print versus digital reading, and it was significantly better when it came to remembering specific details.

The research also indicated that different reading formats and length of reading content play a role. It sounds like the takeaway is that we should read in the format we like, but if we are reading to learn and retain, it might be best to go for print. In any case, the message is clear: if this article is shorter, you are more likely to finish it.

- Daily – Visit eBonnerLibrary.org daily to make sure your materials are available during construction.

- Saturday, May 12 — Clark Fork Wildlife Lecture Series … Scales, Skin, & Slime, 2 p.m. at he Clark Fork branch. Join the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation to explore Idaho’s indicator species. Find out how reptiles, amphibians, and fish indicate the health of an ecosystem. Information: 266-1321.

- Monday, May 14 — Teen Center Game, 3:30 p.m. at the Sandpoint Teen Center, 104 S. Division. Teen Librarian, Morgan Gariepy hosts a library-sponsored game or STEAM activity for teens. For more information about the current week’s theme, call Morgan at 263-6930 ext. 1245 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, May 15 — Mother Goose Storytime, 10:15 AM.at Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 years and caregivers. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis, 263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, May 15 — Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m. at Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 years and their caregivers. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis, 263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, May 15 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm has been canceled. For more information, call 266-1321.

- Wednesday, May 16 — Clark Fork Stories & More, 10:30 a.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Story time, crafts, prizes, and snacks for kids ages 3-8. Call 266-1321 for information.

- Wednesday, May 16 — Make It at the Library, 2 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Kids make a variety of age appropriate STEAM (science, tech, engineering, art, math) projects. Information: 263-6930 ext. 1245.

- Saturday, May 19 — Fifth annual Seed Library Plant Swap, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Bring your plants and starts and adopt some new ones! Talk gardening with some fellow gardeners and learn about the Bonner County Seed Library! Information: 263-6930, ext. 1243.

- Saturday, May 19 — Clark Fork Plant Swap, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Bring a plant, take a plant! Information: 266-1321.

- StoryWalk — Pages from a children’s book are posted along a trail for a fun, family experience. At Dover City Park, read “The Perfect Nest” by Katherine Friend. At McNearney Park in Ponderay (behind Panhandle Animal Shelter), enjoy “Kitchen Dance” by Maurie J. Manning. For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org or call Suzanne Davis 263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org. Read, connect, and get outside at a StoryWalk, a partnership of the library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing and community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-263-6930, ext. 1204.