Continuous Partial Attention

Continuous Partial Attention

From Sketchplanations - The Podcast by Bell Boy Productions

December 16, 2025 · 39 min · Season 5 · Episode 5

About this episode

The episode explores Continuous Partial Attention, its effects on modern life, and potential solutions for managing attention.

Coined in the 1990s by Linda Stone , Continuous Partial Attention describes the state of being constantly connected; trying to do multiple things at once, which often leads to an ever-present, low-level form of stress. We explore how this phenomenon affects modern life, compare it to multitasking, and discuss both its positive and negative aspects. The podcast also highlights how technology has exacerbated this issue and considers potential solutions, such as mindfulness and turning off notifications, to better manage one's attention. Links to stuff we discussed: Dan Kahneman Mind Over Tech Video of Woman who Walks into Fountain Whilst Texting The Film: Her , starring Joaquin Phoenix. Other Sketches and podcast episodes referenced: Phubbing episode and sketch Phone Zombie sketch Hegel's Dialectic: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis sketch Yak Shaving episode and sketch 5 Ways to Wellbeing episode and sketch Everyone's a Geek About Something episode and sketch How to Instantly Feel Better episode and sketch Picking the Perfect Present episode and sketch Buy Jono's Book: Big Ideas, Little Pictures , for a loved one this Christmas - The Perfect Present and then some... Summary 00:00…

People in this episode

Host: Bell Boy Productions

Topics covered

  • Continuous Partial Attention
  • multitasking
  • technology
  • mindfulness
  • stress management

Keywords

  • Continuous Partial Attention
  • multitasking
  • technology
  • mindfulness
  • stress

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Big Ideas, Little Pictures

Books & works: Her

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