An Underappreciated Revelation of the Digital Age

 

In less than three decades, the internet and social media have become a dominant force affecting almost every sphere of our lives. Like virtually any new and ubiquitous technology or cultural phenomenon, the digital age creates both beneficial and troubling outcomes. One of the most vexing and profound impacts is the effect that our “always online” culture is having on arguably our most precious human faculty: our attention.

This is an extremely important and well-covered topic, which is rightfully seen as a serious problem. Yet, in addition to the many blessings of the internet we all enjoy, an often-overlooked gem lies at the core of its problematic side as well:

• The Gift at the Heart of the Digital Attention Crisis