In a world consumed with technology everywhere, it is difficult to imagine a quiet space where the mind can roam freely – without digital distraction. Technology is a consistent aspect across all generations, and it impacts everyone, whether they are aware of it or not.
One of the main concerns people mention is a rapid decline in attention. Some teachers, including Mrs. Julie Leetz, a reading specialist at Cinnaminson High School, noted a change in student attention spans over the past two decades. She claims that in order to keep the class focused, she feels she has to “dangle carrots” or perform a “song and dance” to keep students satisfied. Before, she said, students were much more willing to engage in the lesson, being able to maintain their focus for entire class periods.
Leetz also pointed out that the burden of short attention is also present within adults, pointing out that the constant availability of media feels excessive.
“It’s a 24-hour period of overstimulation material,” Leetz said. “People need quiet time to decompress.”
When attention is down, there is a constant desire to fill the void of boredom, but Leetz said she feels that boredom is an important part of life.
“I think that it’s amazing when people are bored because that’s where creativity thrives,” Leetz said.
John Trost, a senior at CHS, also finds importance in boredom. As an avid art student, Trost utilizes his boredom to stimulate creativity for his artwork. He said he feels that when surrounded by phones, he loses special parts of his creativity.
“I don’t want to intake just a bunch of random dopamine rushes. I don’t gain any satisfaction from that. It feels like it’s just dumbing me down, honestly,” Trost said.
Trost noted that he is not immune to doomscrolling and feels tired whenever he catches himself in the act. He personally feels that he is better at avoiding doomscrolling, but believes many others are not as willing to acknowledge the problem. When met with boredom, there is often an irresistible urge to grab the phone and scroll on social media.
The device epidemic doesn’t just affect older generations. While being more controllable for adults, children born well into the digital age may not find it so easy. At Eleanor Rush Intermediate School, the youth are struggling with their device management. After a long day of school, activities such as watching YouTube videos or playing video games are more desirable than coloring or playing a board game. A third-grade student at the school felt that some days are better than others, and on a “good day,” they spend less time staring at screens.
“I spend maybe one hour or two on my iPad, but maybe 10 minutes or so if it’s better,” the student said.
On days when the student avoided technology, there was a noticeable increase in their overall energy and happiness, but the days spent online were less productive and tiring.
“I’m tempted to be on it, but when I am on it for a long period of time, I do not get my homework done fast, and I get tired. When I am not on it, my energy is better,” the student said.
While noting their own relationship with screens, they pointed out that their peers also seem to struggle with keeping focus. While attention span was a general problem, the level of attention varied between students, some struggling more than others. They found teachers become frustrated with students unable to focus in class.
Despite their attachment to the screen, the student noted when they are met with boredom, and choose the device-free option, they are far happier creating games with their friends at recess or simply hanging out with their friends.
While the presence of technology everywhere is daunting to many – and some may feel as though there is no hope for the future – humankind’s creative prowess remains a consistent part of many people’s lives. Technology as we know it today would not exist without human innovation.
