Easily Distracted

Attention Deficits In The Attention Economy

Jul 25, 2026

assorted CRT monitor — Photo by Rubenz Arizta on Unsplash

I woke up at 6:00am this morning, ready, willing, and able to write today’s post.

Or at least I thought so.

With just enough caffeine coursing through my veins, my brain was mostly functional. Then the internet said, “Oh, dear...we have other plans.”

The first mistake was opening my email. Next thing I knew, I was watching a video about...cubs and otters and bears, oh my! That somehow led to researching lube and sex toys. Which naturally led to a Reddit thread debating the merits of silicone- versus water-based lubes, favorite toys, and enough opinions to fill a Sex Ed textbook. Then YouTube suggested a few “related” videos because, apparently, the algorithm had decided gay sex health was on today’s curriculum.

By the time I looked up, nearly three hours had disappeared, my stomach was growling, and the blog post I intended to write was still just a good intention.

After a quick bite, I finally sat down to write. At 9:15am.

Is this what 54 feels like? Or is this just what being alive in 2026 feels like? I just can’t tell anymore.

Every app is screaming, “LOOK OVER HERE!”
Every notification is waving jazz hands.
Every algorithm is basically RuPaul reminding me, "If you can't love another recommended video, how in the hell are you gonna love yourself?" Can I get an "Amen!"?

The internet has become the world's biggest casino crossed with the world's weirdest circus. Except instead of gambling with money, we're gambling with our attention. The clowns are algorithms. The monkeys are browser tabs. And while we're busy watching the spectacle, the house always wins.

To be fair, as a bear, I bear some responsibility. Pun intended.

I’ve always been curious.

One minute I’m researching vintage physique photos. The next I’m reading about the history of personal lubricants because...well...one click led to another.

My browser history probably needs therapy more than I do.

The sneakiest part is that none of it feels like procrastination. It feels like research. Meanwhile, my actual to-do list sits in the corner, waiting not-so-patiently.

I don’t think we’re suffering from attention deficits nearly as much as we’re suffering from attention overloads.

There are simply too many shiny objects competing for our eyeballs. Especially online:

“News”
“Texts”
“Emails”
TikToks
Instagrams
Substacks
Podcasts
YouTubes
And more!

Somewhere beneath all that digital confetti is a quiet little voice asking, “Remember that thing you actually wanted to do today?” Poor little guy never stands a chance.

The funny thing is, I don’t actually want to be less curious.

Curiosity has introduced me to incredible people, fascinating stories, forgotten history, beautiful art, and enough wonderfully useless trivia to keep me entertained for the rest of my life.

I never want to lose that sense of wonder. I just want to get a little better at deciding whether I’m following my curiosity...or whether an algorithm is leading me around by the nose.

Because those are two very different things.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to hit “Publish” before the internet convinces me I need to learn the history of inflatable pool toys or the mating habits of sea turtles.

Keep calm and keep curious!
Clint 🌈✌️