An Experiment in Healing Attention
This article explores the impact of smartphone usage on human attention spans and discusses strategies for digital detoxification. It features insights from experts on how to cultivate deeper focus in a distracted world.
Why it matters
Addresses the growing societal concern regarding the cognitive effects of constant digital connectivity.
What blocking access to your phone does for your ability to focus. Plus, advice from Jenny Odell, the author of How to Do Nothing , on fighting distraction.
Illustration by The Atlantic. Source: Simon Stock / Gallery Stock. August 24, 2026, 6 AM ET Share Save Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 38:06 Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts
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