Is Technology Killing Focus? Google CEO Eric Schmidt Gave a Simple Advice
Today when we get a new notification every second and something is always going on in social media, it has become a struggle to focus. And this is not said by any random person, but by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt himself. He clearly said that if you really want to work with full attention, then switching off your phone is the best solution.
- Is Technology Killing Focus? Google CEO Eric Schmidt Gave a Simple Advice
- How Can Focus Be Possible in a World That is Always Active?
- The 70,000-Year-Old Human Way to Relax
- Research Also Says the Same Thing: Digital Distraction Is Harmful
- Should We Stop Using Tech Completely? Schmidt’s Balanced Solution
- Want to Regain Focus? Learn to Switch Off Your Phone
Eric Schmidt is the same person who was behind Android, which today runs on billions of devices. And now he is saying that these very devices are destroying our ability to focus and think deeply.
How Can Focus Be Possible in a World That is Always Active?
While speaking on the Moonshots podcast, Schmidt said that he has noticed this pattern himself. He works with many 20-something researchers who face trouble in focusing because of constant phone notifications. He said,
“They turn off their phone and only then they are able to do deep research.”
He accepted that today’s tech world has monetised every moment of our time. Every ad, subscription, and app is just trying to grab our attention. And this is totally opposite to how human minds naturally work.
The 70,000-Year-Old Human Way to Relax
Schmidt also agreed to the irony that the platform we use, Google’s own products, grab our attention. But he said,
“You cannot think deeply with this buzzing phone. You do not need apps to relax. Humans have been relaxing for thousands of years without technology.”
Research Also Says the Same Thing: Digital Distraction Is Harmful
This is not just Schmidt’s opinion. Multiple researchers have highlighted the same issue.
According to attention expert Dr. Gloria Mark, the average attention span on screen 20 years ago was 2.5 minutes. Today it is only 47 seconds.
This leads to broken thinking, low memory, and more stress.
Mind coach Jim Kwik, who is also the author of “Limitless”, said that people blame forgetfulness, but the real issue is attention. Every notification, ping, or ring is pulling us away from our focus.
A study by NIH (National Institutes of Health) also showed that digital distractions reduce satisfaction and learning, especially among young users.
Should We Stop Using Tech Completely? Schmidt’s Balanced Solution
Schmidt raised one more important point. He said that just turning off the phone is not the only solution. You can use technology, but you must stay away from unnecessary distractions.
He shared his own experience where he used Google Gemini AI for a six-hour brainstorming session during a flight. There were no interruptions, no social media, and no ads. This helped him stay focused.
Want to Regain Focus? Learn to Switch Off Your Phone
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt gave a simple and powerful message. If your focus is lost, maybe your phone is the reason. Being connected all the time is not a sign of productivity.
If you want to bring back your attention, creativity, and mental clarity, then start giving your phone a break. Working in a distraction-free space is still possible. You just need a little control and awareness.
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