Research has revealed that the average adult in the UK has an attention span of just 17 minutes and 10 seconds. A survey of 2,000 adults highlighted the average time people believe they can concentrate on different tasks. The study found that individuals could only sustain focus during a conversation with their partner for 19 minutes and 17 seconds, which decreases to 17 minutes and 36 seconds during a work meeting.
Over a third (36 per cent) of respondents admitted that their attention span has deteriorated in recent years, while only 22 per cent felt it had improved. The research also showed that nearly half (49 per cent) of 18 to 24 year olds lose concentration on a task in under a minute, compared to just seven per cent of those aged 65 and older.
Of those surveyed, 39 per cent confessed to feeling the urge to check their phones when they lose interest, while 45 per cent switch between tasks, and 42 per cent allow themselves to daydream. A study conducted by Nest, as part of the Pension Attention campaign, indicated that 50 per cent of people attribute their limited attention span to fatigue, with 40 per cent attributing it to stress.
Gavin Perera-Betts, chief customer officer for Nest, noted that external factors like constant notifications and stress, along with technology, play a significant role in affecting concentration levels. The study also revealed that financial tasks such as reviewing monthly budgets and pensions are often postponed due to being perceived as dull or challenging.
Moreover, 43 per cent of participants have tried to increase their focus on tasks, with strategies including actively listening to conversations and increasing physical activity. Despite efforts to improve attention span, 42 per cent found themselves reverting to previous habits. Concerns were also raised, as 35 per cent worry that their children may develop shorter attention spans due to excessive internet exposure.
Perera-Betts suggested that simplified technology, like mobile apps, can aid in focusing on important tasks such as managing pensions. The research identified various average attention spans for different activities, ranging from 11 minutes and 41 seconds while writing a text to 26 minutes and 10 seconds while driving.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the challenges individuals face in maintaining focus in today’s digital age, highlighting the need for strategies to combat distractions and improve concentration levels.