Stolen Focus
Why You Can’t Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again
Johann Hari
In Stolen Focus, Johann Hari explores the decline in collective attention spans, arguing that our current struggles with focus are systemic rather than merely personal failings. Hari identifies twelve main culprits behind this "attention crisis," including the pervasive influence of technology, social media’s design to captivate, and environmental factors like stress, diet, and pollution. Through personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and extensive research, Hari illustrates how these forces manipulate our attention and degrade cognitive function. He warns that this attention erosion diminishes our capacity for rational thinking, deep work, and meaningful interactions.
Unlike many self-help books, Stolen Focus doesn’t suggest that individual willpower alone can restore focus. Instead, Hari calls for larger societal changes, such as policies to regulate tech giants and protect mental health, while also offering insights on small personal adjustments to improve concentration. His narrative combines vivid storytelling with actionable insights, creating a compelling call for readers to reclaim their attention and engage more thoughtfully with the world.
This book is especially relevant for leaders, educators, and professionals seeking to understand and counteract the modern attention challenges affecting both personal productivity and broader societal health. Stolen Focus offers a sobering yet empowering look at the paths available to resist the “downgrading” of human attention.
