Attention Span in the Digital Age: A Qualitative Study of Youth in Islamabad

Abstract

 The rapid integration of digital technologies into daily life has sparked global concerns regarding their impact on human attention span, particularly among young adults who are the most frequent users of smartphones and social media. This investigation investigates the impact of digital technology on the concentration span of young people in Islamabad, Pakistan, with a particular emphasis on those between the ages of 21 and 30. The research utilized a qualitative design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants, as guided by an interpretivist paradigm. To identify recurring patterns and meanings in the data, thematic analysis was implemented in accordance with Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework. The results indicated that there were four interconnected themes: constant connectivity and fragmented focus, multitasking as a normalized lifestyle, psychological duress and digital fatigue, and coping strategies for regaining attentional control. Experiences of habitual phone-checking, an illusion of productivity through multitasking, and cycles of stress and fatigue associated with excessive digital immersion were described by participants. Simultaneously, they exhibit awareness of these obstacles and experiment with coping mechanisms, including self-imposed rules, mindfulness exercises, and digital cleansing practices, albeit with inconsistent success. The study concludes that attention span in the digital era cannot be interpreted solely as a cognitive function; rather, it must be viewed within the context of broader social and cultural factors. Attentional challenges are influenced by the cultural expectation of perpetual responsiveness, as well as the design of platforms, for the youth of Islamabad. The research makes a valuable contribution to the literature by establishing a South Asian context for global debates on digital distraction and suggesting targeted interventions in education, policy, and mental health to promote attentional health in a hyperconnected world.