Uploaded November 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Computers can be highly distracting. The reasons are related to the design of our two different human attention systems. Humans are hard-wired to both be able to immerse ourselves, and to be able to respond quickly to surprises. Computers—and particularly our mobile devices—provide us with both kinds of stimuli. And this combination can cause us to lose focus of other things that we should be doing, whether it is driving a vehicle or listening to a good friend.
Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).
Part of the internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (https://blue.cse.buffalo.edu) production.
Computers can be highly distracting. The reasons are related to the design of our two different human attention systems. Humans are hard-wired to both be able to immerse ourselves, and to be able to respond quickly to surprises. Computers—and particularly our mobile devices—provide us with both kinds of stimuli. And this combination can cause us to lose focus of other things that we should be doing, whether it is driving a vehicle or listening to a good friend.
Credits: Talking: Geoffrey Challen (Assistant Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo). Producing: Greg Bunyea (Undergraduate, Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo).
Part of the internet-class.org online internet course. A blue Systems Research Group (https://blue.cse.buffalo.edu) production.
