These days, most of us live our lives tethered to our computers and smartphones, which are unending sources of distraction. Research has shown that over the past couple of decades people’s attention spans have shrunk in measurable ways. Gloria Mark, PhD, of the University of California Irvine, talks about how the internet and digital devices have affected ou ... Show More
Oct 28
Helping humans and wildlife coexist, with Suzanne MacDonald, PhD
Many of us share our cities and neighborhoods with animals that lived there before we moved in, such as raccoons, turtles and crows. Suzanne MacDonald, PhD, of York University, discusses why some species thrive in urban environments while others struggle; how city living changes ... Show More
39m 14s
Oct 21
Why we complain and how to do it better, with Robin Kowalski, PhD
Whether it’s grumbling about a boss, the weather, or a spouse’s most annoying habit, we all complain. Robin Kowalski, PhD, of Clemson University, discusses why we complain; the difference between venting and complaining to get results; how to complain in a way that doesn’t wear p ... Show More
26m 54s
Oct 14
Beyond screen time: What makes educational technology effective, with Nicole Barnes, PhD
Digital tools now help teach students everything from spelling to math to science -- but flashy features don’t always translate to learning. Nicole Barnes, PhD, executive lead psychologist for education at the American Psychological Association and lead author of a new report on ... Show More
33m 42s
Feb 2024
Addicted to distraction: How our world is robbing our ability to pay attention
According to psychologist Gloria Mark, the average attention span is just 47 seconds. Mark, a two-decade veteran in researching attention, says our ability to focus is declining at an alarming rate and is impacting our health. Much of this increase is due to our modern, fast-pace ... Show More
51m 59s
Jul 2025
Summer picks: Where did our attention spans go, and can we get them back?
In 2024, the Oxford English Dictionary announced its word of the year was ‘brain rot’. The term relates to the supposedly negative effects of consuming social media content, but it struck a chord more widely with many who feel they don’t have the mental capacity they once had. Gl ... Show More
17m 10s
Dec 2023
Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity with Gloria Mark
In this week’s episode of the Growth Guide podcast, we have the honor of having a conversation with Gloria Mark, Chancellor’s Professor Emerita of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine. She studies the impact of digital media on people’s work and personal lives, exa ... Show More
1h 20m
<p><a href="https://stephanie197.typeform.com/to/j1scjtOU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>We want to hear from YOU! Take our survey.</strong></a></p><br><p>Could Your Smartphone Be Destroying Your Focus? Have our attention spans, will power, mood and productivi ... Show More