Attention span refers to how long a person is able to focus on a task or something before losing focus. Attention is a cognitive skill and plays an integral role in learning, work, and functioning on a day to day basis.
A student with a strong attention span, for example, will be able to read a chapter in a book without being interrupted, while another student who doesn’t have a strong attention span will be able to read a book, but will more likely be distracted by their surroundings. Attention span is affected by: Brain development, fatigue, motivation and technology around a person. Attention is an incredibly complex and intricate subject, and thus has been linked with working memory, as it has a much more solidified and restricted range.
In clinical psychology, attention span reduction is something that is commonly observed in ADHD. It is a common misconception that modern technology has shortened peoples attentions spans, however, modern research suggests that attention is flexible and adaptable and may be functioning in shorter, more burst-like periods. There are focus techniques like mindfulness, or practice that help in focus improvement.