Is The World's Attention Span Shrinking? And Is It Really Shorter Than A Goldfish? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Adulting

Is The World's Attention Span Shrinking? And Is It Really Shorter Than A Goldfish?

In the past 15 years reports say society's attention span has decreased to 8 seconds.

24
Is The World's Attention Span Shrinking? And Is It Really Shorter Than A Goldfish?
MediaModifier

According to reports, the human attention span is shrinking (thanks to technology). In 2018, a study said that the average human has an attention span of 8 seconds and that is a decrease from 2000's study of 12 seconds. And according to Jampp, found the human attention span decreases by 88% every year.

The study states that we have a shorter attention span than a dog that has a 27-second attention span, and a goldfish that has a 9-second attention span. So a goldfish has a bigger attention span than we do? It is crazy to think that we cannot sit or stand for more than 8 seconds before we need to read or look at something else.

These kinds of studies, true or not, have made marketers get more creative. In a nutshell, this reveals a few quick facts:

  • People do not have enough patience to read through your content.
  • Even when people want to read your content, if it appears too comprehensive they won't bother reading it at all.
  • Factors many people do not consider as part of their content strategy — factors such as site speed — matters a great deal.
Adults truly are like young children; we like pretty, colorful, eye-catching photos. More people would rather see a big bold photo that is marketing the product than read about it. This goes for articles as well. More people would rather look at a photo and read a very brief Synopsis about the product.


Geralt


This is why marketers are using social media more than ever. They use the KISS principle, (Keep It Simple, Stupid).

Nick Dutko, the CEO of Auto Transport Quote Services, notes, "Ultimately, the goal of a solid content marketing strategy is to drive good ROI. There is no point in having content that does not add to your bottom line. For this reason, simple, clear content will always win."

Following simple techniques will help. Bullet points are your friend - you are using simple words that get straight to the point, and by using photos to break up your paragraphs, this will help keep the person's attention.

  • Highlight important keywords
  • Use bullets to make important points stand out
  • Use subheadings to break out key sections
  • Focus on one idea per paragraph
If your content is important, then it bears repeating it. All those key pieces of your content should be repeated. In fact, repetition can be the most powerful part of your content strategy if done right.
  • Repurpose key pieces of content into different formats (images, videos, slides, text, etc.).
  • Distribute key pieces of content across different channels (email, social media, presentation sites, etc.).
  • Use smart retargeting to get people to see your content again and again.


JuanitaFoucault

Comparing the two social media graphics, people are more likely to look at the one that is more simple and bold, than to stop and read everything on this one.

Make your content engaging and straight to the point. People don't want to stop and read a brochure or ad that has a lot of words. Using simple text with colors and eye-popping graphics will keep their attention longer. Whether the studies are true or not, people do like photos and simple text more than a short novel they need to read to get to the point of the product.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190029
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14789
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457772
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26583
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments