Explore how digital content, AI, and dopamine-fueled platforms are reshaping human attention spans and the challenges to staying focused in the digital era.
According to recent research, how long is the average attention span on any screen today?
Explanation: The correct answer is 47 seconds, reflecting the drop from 2.5 minutes in 2004. '2.5 minutes' and '3 minutes' are outdated or inaccurate figures. '90 seconds' overestimates the current span based on reported data.
As of April 2025, what proportion of newly created web pages contained AI-generated content, according to Ahrefs?
Explanation: Ahrefs found that 74% of new web pages had AI-generated content. '50%' and '33%' are lower than the actual figure, while '20%' significantly underestimates the proportion.
What term describes the mental state of frequently switching between tasks, tabs, and tools in the digital age?
Explanation: The correct term is 'attention fragmentation,' which refers to divided focus. 'Deep focus' is the opposite, 'memory consolidation' relates to how we store information, and 'digital detox' is a strategy to disconnect.
Gloria Mark uses which phrase to explain a restless, hyper-dynamic mental state online?
Explanation: 'Kinetic attention' is the term Gloria Mark uses to describe restless, ever-shifting focus. The other options either do not appear in the context or convey different meanings.
Which feature of platforms like TikTok is described as hijacking the brain's reward system?
Explanation: 'Short-form video content' delivers rapid novelty and pleasure, activating reward circuits. 'Ad-free experience' and 'long articles' are unrelated, and 'slow-loading pages' would deter engagement.
What brain region showed structural differences in students highly engaged with short-form videos?
Explanation: The 'orbitofrontal cortex', related to processing rewards, showed more grey matter. The cerebellum relates to movement, hippocampus to memory, and occipital lobe to vision.
Before ChatGPT's launch in late 2022, about what percentage of online written content was AI-generated?
Explanation: Initially, only around '5%' of content was AI-generated. The other values vastly overstate early AI content prevalence.
According to researchers, what is one major effect of the increased volume of online content?
Explanation: Increased content leads to 'fragmented attention,' not improved recall or retention. It does not promote better sleep—on the contrary, it may disrupt it.
How is AI making platforms more addictive, according to the context?
Explanation: AI heightens addiction by personalising content delivery. The other options do not contribute to increased platform engagement or addictive qualities.
What kind of response do personalised short-form videos provoke in the brain?
Explanation: Personalised videos trigger 'dopamine hits,' reinforcing habitual use. The other responses are either unrelated or incorrect per the context.