Home

China

World

Politics

Business

Sci-Tech

Health

Opinions

Video

Live

Radio

World Asia-Pacific Middle East Europe Americas Africa

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

When challenges arise, how can we avoid anxiety and frustration? CGTN Digital Chief Editor Du Yubin talks with Alan Macfarlane, professor of social anthropology at the University of Cambridge and fellow of the British Academy about the "attention trap" in the digital age.

Professor Macfarlane explains that excessive short-video use can become a form of addiction: it may seem to relieve anxiety or boredom at first, but can actually make them worse by shortening attention spans and fragmenting our thoughts.

He suggests taking practical steps to regain control, such as gradually reducing screen time, spending more time outdoors, reading, reflecting and developing healthier habits. "A little bit of this doesn't do any harm, but when it gets too out of hand, then you get into this circular spiral of fragmentation," he says.

02:39

Open in CGTN APP for better experience

Search Trends

The attention trap: Cambridge professor explains why you can't stop scrolling