Human Attention Span And Bible Study

According to this Medical Daily article, a recent 54-page study by Microsoft Corporation, found that in the digital age we live in, "human attention span has fallen from an average of 12 seconds in the year 2000 to just eight seconds today. Humans now have less of an attention span than a goldfish (nine seconds average)." See video here.

The article goes on to list the following three ways to improve attention spans, thus increasing our ability to stay focused: (1) Drink more fluids; (2) Exercise; (3) Avoid electronic devices.

There is a fourth way to increase our ability to stay focused, and that is to find (as our Lord suggested in Matthew 6:5-6 KJV) a "closet"; i.e. a quiet, secluded place with no distractions of any kind (no noise and no digital devices). Block out the world's many distractions (also see here and here), totally concentrating and meditating on God and His word (Psalm 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:15 ASV). For example, my library/computer room in my home, is my closet, where I undergo profitable Bible study and write articles for this blog.

One other piece of wisdom regarding our children's attention span: Teach them the 2-D's -- discipline and direction, where they can be the master over the technology they use, instead of being a slave to the technology (note these teens).

---Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

Comments