We often hear our grandparents or people of that generation speak fondly of the songs from their time. 

Songs were considered ever green, but nowadays any new song can hardly stay trendy for a few weeks. 

Are recent songs just that dull? Or do we need newness every few weeks? 

With the increased use of electronic devices during the pandemic, and increase in online influencers, people have an ocean of content to consume. 

Although many people may confuse the lack of attention span of gen Z with adhd, which isn’t what a low attention span would mean. 

Short attention span vs adhdamonst gen z

While the lack of attention span might seem like the ultimate sign for adhd, it is only one of the signs. 

It can be differentiated from adhd. 

ADHD

The major difference between short attention span and adhd , is the lack of focus. 

While someone with a short attention span , can focus on something they deem worthy, it is still a struggle for someone suffering from adhd to focus on the subject. 

Some symptoms of adhd being… 

•    Low tolerance of frustration

•    Impulsiveness

•    Mood swings

•    Restlessness

•    Agitation

Adhd can be genetic as well and can be caused by some chemicals such as lead .

Short attention span

While a short attention span for gen z nowadays means that, people have become very selective with the content they consume.

With an abundance of content present on platforms , people’s attention can only be grabbed by compelling content.

A mass of gen z resorts to binge watching, and can complete a whole series in a span of 4-5 hrs.

This shows that a mass of gen Z can definitely focus on something that has their attention.

It takes a compelling story, a great narrative ,aesthetic visuals and uniqueness to have their attention.

Which isn’t as easy nowadays as you need to grab their attention in the time span of 8 seconds to convince them to move further into the content.

What has contributed to the lack of attention span amongst gen z

While the the attention of millennials is calculated to be 12 seconds, the gen Z’s attention span is 8 seconds .

This attention span is considered even lower than a goldfish.

There are several factors contributing to it.

Overstimulation from technology

Overstimulation is referred to a situation in which, one clouded with an access of stimuli.

In this case it would be an access of stimulation, from technology such as televisions, smartphones, tablets and laptops.

This causes lack of attention span and focus.

This can also cause technology withdrawals when you aren’t around technology, and a need for constant stimuli.

Thus only the content that can stimulate us.

Informal learning

Formal learning is how we learn topics in schools, by sitting in a class and focussing on what is being taught.

Where as informal learning is learning by yourself, through sources.

In this digital age informal learning has become so much easier, that anyone with a working internet can learn at the comfort of their homes.

The abundance of sources and access of information is a lot to process.

Informal learning lacks the discipline of formal learning and, doesn’t need you to go through assignments and quizzes to move on to the next topic.

During quarantine a culture of informal learning has immerged and has contributed to the lack of attention amongst students.

One can jump from one topic to another as they wish.

Also Read – AGE BETWEEN {15-25} IS SO CRUCIAL, WHYY?

Image Reference – https://youtu.be/13Y2fdyVb44