Brit has average attention span of just 17 minutes and 10 seconds as expert shares why it’s getting worse

THE TYPICAL adult has an attention span of 17 minutes and 10 seconds, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults has revealed the average time people think they can concentrate on various different tasks.

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Research by OnePoll has revealed how long the average Brit can concentrate before getting distracted[/caption]

People admit they can only keep focused during a conversation with their partner for 19 minutes and 17 seconds, but in a work meeting that drops to just 17 minutes and 36 seconds.

Sorting out finances can keep us occupied for 19 minutes and 49 seconds, and tasks at work for 20 minutes and 40 seconds.

Financial tasks were also likely to be put off or delayed because they’re seen as boring or difficult, with 14 per cent of those polled delaying checking their pension, 14 per cent reviewing their monthly budget, and 11 per cent setting up a savings account.

More than a third (36 per cent) said their attention span has worsened in recent years – while only 22 per cent said it had improved.

Nearly half (49 per cent) of 18 to 24-year-olds say they lose focus on a task in under a minute, while only seven per cent of those aged 65 and older face this level of difficulty staying focused.

And 18 per cent of the younger age group have put off checking their pension is on track – compared to just two per cent of over 65s.

Of those polled, 39 per cent admit they feel compelled to check their phones when they lose interest in something.

While 45 per cent jump between tasks, and 42 per cent let themselves daydream.

Commissioned by Nest to coincide with the Pension Attention campaign, the study found 50 per cent blame their limited attention span on being tired, while 40 per cent said stress is a key factor.

Gavin Perera-Betts, chief customer officer for the workplace pension firm, said: “Constant notifications, social media, and instant access to information can impact our ability to concentrate for extended periods.

“However, it’s not just technology to blame – stress and fatigue also play a significant role.

“When we’re tired or stressed, we struggle to maintain concentration, making it even harder to stay focused on a single task.

“Even relatively simple but important tasks, like reviewing your budget or checking your pension is on track can be delayed due to a lack of attention.

“While we can’t take away all stress and fatigue, we can make checking your pension is on track simple and easy – there are three simple steps on our website you can follow.”

The research went on to find 37 per cent find it difficult to switch off – and exactly half of those polled typically have lots on their mind at one time.

Of those whose attention span has worsened over time, 35 per cent believe their smartphone is at fault for this.

But 43 per cent have tried to increase how long they can stay focused on a task for.

Half of these are making a conscious effort to listen to other people’s conversations, while 43 per cent have tried to get more exercise in a bid to boost their mental endurance.

And 39 per cent are putting their phones away at certain points in the evening.

These efforts paid off for 41 per cent, but 42 per cent ended up sliding back into their old habits.

The research, which was conducted via OnePoll, also found 34 per cent have had an argument with a partner about attention spans.

While 35 per cent are worried their children will have a shorter focus because they are surrounded by the internet on countless gadgets.

Gavin Perera-Betts from Nest, which has recently launched its mobile app to make it simpler to manage your pension, added: “Technology is deeply embedded in our daily lives  – that’s why it’s crucial for technology to be designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind.

“Simple tech, like a mobile app, can make paying attention to important things like your pension, simple and straightforward.

“When tech is intuitive and less cluttered, it can reduce mental overload, helping users stay focused and preventing their minds from wandering.”