Book Review by Stacie Lawrence
Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age
Excerpts from my review of Maggie Jacksons book Distracted:
Jackson writes that television (and other technology/media) is contributing
to children being less able to engage in focused play,
suggesting that television is contributing
to more individuals with the characteristics of
attention-deficient children.
She states even "parents are ...distracted, interacting 20 percent less with their kids and relating passively" and that "more than half of children ages eight to eighteen live in homes where the TV is on most of the time." (Jackson, 73)
All this and more ....reading Distracted by Maggie Jackson!
What did others have to say?
In writing the Forward to this book Bill McKibben discusses his awareness of distractions in his life.
He states: "Distraction has always been a human condition". (Jackson, 9) "This book, remarkable impressive both for its wealth of detail and the clarity of its synthesis, forces our attention on that inattention." (Forward, Bill McKibben in Jackson, 10)
Jackson herself says that she did not set out to write a book on attention. She "was curious why so many Americans are deeply dissatisfied with life, feeling stressed" (Jackson, 25), and that "more than half typically have to juggle too many tasks simultaneously and/or are so often interrupted that they find it difficult to get work done (Jackson, 17, from Galinsky).
What did I get from reading Maggie Jackson's book?
With the ease of technology we have a lot of wonderful benefits, but also we find ourselves slacking or lacking in significant areas. The immediate gratification of an instant message, an email alert, a snap chat - a "like" on Facebook - takes our attention from things that matter most. Like Bill McKibben noticed after reading the book Distracted, I too have been much more aware of the things that shouldn't matter taking precedence over those things that do. If I am so concerned about the number of notifications that add up to whether I am "liked" enough than I am losing sight of the things that I sincerely like - my family, my friends, my peace (and quiet) of mind!
This book made me think about those things more.
The final word!
In the final chapter titled The Gift of Attention Jackson asks "Can attention be trained?" (254). She summarizes that it is in how we pay attention. "Splitting one's focus between a work project and one's child demotes both to half a priority each". This single statement makes me, as a parent, want to focus my attention on what matters most.
Jackson defines distraction using the Oxford English Dictionary:
"drawing away (of the mind of thoughts) from one point or course to another; diversion of the mind or attention, usually in the adverse sense." (Jackson, 259).
She goes on to say that "attention is not always within our control" but that to reverse the adverse effects of inattention and distraction "we must understand, strengthen, and lastly value attention."
With the examples, the research, the stories shared, and the attention to detail, Maggie Jackson writes an informative text that will help you to evaluate distractions in your own life,
and more important, to recognize what you value more.
If you, or someone you know, is Distracted - you don't want to miss this great literary experience!
PS: While looking into this book I came across this blog post written by the author herself, Maggie Jackson.
Here is a link to Encyclopedia Britannica and the post titled: Multitasking, the problem: Distracted and Dangerous.
Here is a link to Encyclopedia Britannica and the post titled: Multitasking, the problem: Distracted and Dangerous.
Pretty interesting stuff!
Leave us a comment below if you have read the book before
or if you have a question or insight about what you have learned from our reviews.
Book Reference: Jackson, M. (2009). Distracted. The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Ages. Prometheus Books. Amherst, New York.
Additional reference: Galinsky, E. et al., Overwork in America: When the Way We Work Becomes Too Much. (New York: Families and Work Institute, 2005), pp 2-4
Find more reviews on our Book Reviews Link
including a review by Stephanie Stevens on the book Cyber Junkie!
including a review by Stephanie Stevens on the book Cyber Junkie!
Btw: For anyone interested in a little light reading I came across this tonight after blog-browsing!
ReplyDeleteWorking with Mindfulness: Overcoming the Drive to Multi-task (on Huffington Post):
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacqueline-carte/working-with-mindfulness-_b_4786150.html
Another article mentioned that Mindfulness is the Antidote to Multitasking.
Stacie, this is a great book review. I am interested in reading it. The idea of self-evaluation and looking at what you are giving your attention to and how often would be a great tool to self-reflect and see where change may be needed, especially with media use. Thanks for the information.
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