Boom and Bust of Attention Spans: The Digital Age

Mass media and internet have no boundaries to connect, communicate and engage a heterogeneous audiences. The repercussions of the advent of technology in mass media communication have had far-fetched effects across the world. From the level of consumption of news in print to the exposure of TV advertisements, to the enormous usage of social networking and the the boom of internet- have led to various social, economic and political changes. The world is getting shorter, smarter and closer; with technology, communications and the burst of 'breaking news' phenomenon to a gamut of social media opportunities- the attention span of people has definitely decreased, but the overall effect has been definitely positive.

Today, with the use of smartphones that connect us to different parts and aspects of the world, people can easily focus on ten important things and multi-task simultaneously. For instance, a CEO of a company can attend a symposium, network with other participants, share a tweet with his followers and take important business decisions worth thousands of dollars just by responding to an official mail. Simultaneously, he could also chat with his wife or read about news from the other part of the world. Since there is a sea of information on the internet, crores of people registered on networking sites and a galaxy of various articles, blogs, videos, games, news, books, places- you name it and you find it there- to choose from. 

Therefore, prioritisation is the key to maintain sanity and keep up with the growing world. From the history of WWI to the political campaigns of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the internet offers everything you wish to see. Attention spans are highly specific to the individuals who are consuming the news, and hence, can vary. By exonerating the hypothesis, research posits that though the attention span has decreased due to the presence of variety of information, people have smartly started utilising the tools of internet and social media according to their needs. In reality, news publications, TV production houses and the media industry on a whole, also works on the 'Uses and Gratification Theory' of mass communication that focuses on sharing information the users want to read or consume. 

To conclude, mass media and internet have definitely brought the world closer with a basket of information options that gratify the users. The users have a knack of sorting information, following campaigns and sharing intelligent updates according to their interests. Though the attention span has decreased, the advent of new media technology have led the world to a new and positive era of communication, digital age of information-sharing and a more close-knit exhaustive world of digitisation.

What I love about my hometown!

Have you ever felt like - just leaving, going far away from all the materialistic instincts and lying down on the lap of Mother Nature? Galagali, a small village situated on the banks of Krishna River in the Northern Karnataka is a place to be, to discover yourself. My grandma tells me stories about our old house that stands tall between the lush green forests, the simple yet delicious food she cooked from our own varanda and games they played around the well near the rice fields, and under the mango trees. 

I have always believed that we share a connection with the place we belong to. I have always wanted to go back to where we started. Though I have never been to my hometown, I love the fact that Galagali, a small village defines me. Although, no one stays in that old house now, I love the fact that it invites me to visit my hometown, tempts me to take a dip in the Krishna River and lets me discover my roots! I wish to go there once and witness its beauty with my own eyes! 

It’s My Way of Life!

Lately, I have been a little worked up! Loaded with assignments & projects, deadline pressures and literally sandwiched between the responsibilities of family and friends. Difficult to manage things, I have been a li’l disturbed off late. Sometimes, I think it’s better to talk it out or take out the frustration. While at times, I think keeping calm and ignoring things is a better option. However, I have learned that both the options lead to more stress and more problems.

Somehow I realised that more or less, everyone including our parents, colleagues and friends, are sailing in the same boat of emotional and social mayhem.

Learning from these even & odds, here is a list of 7even realisations for a peaceful and contended life:

1. No Wrong Way in Life

There are infinite angles to click a perfect picture, thousands of ways to paint a beautiful painting, hundred routes to reach the mountain peak and numerous such ways to lead a happy life. No way is right or wrong! It is your way of getting things done.

Don’t enforce ‘your ways’ on others but guide them through your way. Let them commit mistakes, fall, explore and learn on their own.

2. 'Know' it or ‘No’ it

Behaviour and habits are a result of a person’s past experiences. It is said that one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Likewise, one shouldn’t be judgemental about a person by his behaviour, language, habits or actions.

Try to know the person thoroughly or else choose not to comment on it at all!

3. The ‘Unique’ Syndrome

 We all think ‘I’m not like others, I’m different and I’m Unique!’  Well, it’s a great way towards self motivation.  But you have to remember that understanding and helping others is the simplest key to happiness. Besides, blowing your own trumpet may put you down in future!

4. Talking Doesn’t Help Always

People believe that while in a problematic situation, talking things out will sort things out. I am afraid this doesn’t work always. One has to cool down, think again and choose the right words to not make things worse. 

Remember, words once spoken cannot be taken back and heart once hurt cannot be fixed like before...

5. Its not always YOU

Always compare yourself to the problems of people below you and compare your success to the people above you! Put yourself in the shoes of others but never copy their path of success or virtue of grief. Learn by heart, not to ask ’why always me?’

6. Let Go… To Receive

If at work or at home or in college, people don’t take responsibilities, then counsel them twice or thrice to do so. If there is no difference in them, just let go, without being angry or upset about it. Instead, just take the responsibility yourself. You will receive more respect and praises. Also, others will learn from you with time!

7. Love. Smile. Care

Love+ Smile + Care= Happiness

A perfect formula to stay happy all life...Expect less and surprise others more! A perfect blend of these can solve bitter problems with a good note!

Life is continuous a cycle of troughs, expansion, peak and recession like any business venture. All you have to do is to change the strategies according the current situation.

How have you been dealing with such situations?