“Deep attention, the cognitive style traditionally associated with the humanities, is characterized by concentrating on a single object for long periods (says, a novel by Dickens), ignoring outside stimuli while so engaged, preferring a single information stream, and having a high tolerance for long focus times. Hyper attention is characterized by switching focus rapidly among different tasks, preferring multiple information streams, seeking a high level of stimulation, and having a low tolerance for boredom.”

Deep attention and hyper attention are vastly disparate. They both have advantages and disadvantages. As for education, deep attention can make students focus on books for a long time while hyper attention may lead to creativity. Nowadays, young people spend much more time on digital media than on reading print books. The younger the age group, the more prominent the shift. Educators should take this issue seriously and take measures to improve this situation. The best study method might be the combination of deep attention and hyper attention. But how can it achieve? The educational environment is quite important. Students need stimuli. Digital media like films, music and TV can motivate students, which might make them perform better. On the other hand, deep attention can not be ignored. Concentration can let students acquire deeper knowledge. Schools should consider the situation carefully and change the educational pattern appropriately to optimize students’ performance.

Resource:
N. Katherine Hayles (2007), ‘Hyper and Deep Attention: The Generational Divide in Cognitive Modes’,Profession, pp.187-199.