The Distracted Mind

“Interference”

Your brain does an incredible job of processing information. The human brain created everything from symphonies to the theory of relativity. And yet you still forget to stop by the grocery store on the way home from work. How do these two aspects of the brain co-exist? You miss some details because of “interference” – specifically, “goal interference.” Interference comes from internal sources, such as when something preoccupies you, or external sources, like environmental stimuli. Goal interference happens when something gets in the way of your pursuit of a specific goal. It takes two forms: “distractions,” when your mind wanders, and “interruptions,” when you shift your attention from one goal to another. While all complex systems suffer interference, some disruptions are specific to the human brain. You are born with limited “cognitive control.” Putting too many demands on that control generates interference.

The world generates interference, but the “digital revolution” makes things worse. As digital devices get smaller, people carry them more often. Approximately 95% of people report doing some “media multitasking” daily. People now expect responses...