The article discusses the intricate relationship between technology and attention. Susan B. Glasser highlights how historical concerns, like those expressed by Nathaniel Hawthorne about the iron stove, resonate with current fears about the impact of modern technology on social interaction. Daniel Immerwahr critiques the narrative surrounding the 'attention crisis,' suggesting that distractions are subjective and can lead us to engage more deeply with other pursuits. The piece delves into how critics, particularly from the knowledge class, view diminishing attention as a threat to their relevance in the contemporary landscape.
"In the nineteenth century, Nathaniel Hawthorne warned against the chilling effects of technology on socializing; the debate on attention spans predates modern distractions like TikTok."
"Daniel Immerwahr argues that the knowledge class is particularly concerned about attention because audiences may not be engaging with their work as much as before."
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