1 March, 2017
Media Lecture -1
For the first class, we talked about ‘Home’ and also outline some general information about media, such as the time for workshop, introduction of course blog and course plans. At the end of the lecture, we read a part of the article, called: Hyper and Deep Attention: The Generational Divide in Cognitive Modes.
According to the article, deep attention is characterised by focusing on a single object or a certain aspect for a long time, and do not disturbed by outside stimuli. However, hyper attention preferring multiple aspects or streams, seeking a high level of stimulation, and having a low tolerance for boredom.
The shift in hyper and deep attention can be seen obviously among the society, especially exist in the education system at all levels. In the modern days, hyper attention becomes the main stream, which means more people would like to develop multiple foci compete for attention. For advantage, hyper attention would be developed in multiple foci compete so that it is helpful to the development of the society. To the contrary, impatience is the biggest disadvantage. From my point of view, this situation exists normally when people do something they do not interested in. For example, most students cannot focusing on their study when they do homework or have class. They always have excuse to divert attention from their work. Thus, people who with hyper attention may not have achievement on a certain stream, but they may have knowledge in wider space.
By contrast, deep attention is focusing on a single medium, but it would ignore the environment factors. Less people could get this cognitive style because it needs people have enough patient and a high tolerance. In addition, this situation exists under limited requirements, it is also necessary to create a secure environment.In my opinion, people prefer to have deep attention when they do something they would like to do, such as hobbies or they interested in. For instance, I am interested in baking, so it is hard for me to divert attention from cooking or baking.
To sum up, I think although hyper and deep attention are two different cognitive modes, they do not affect each other. Deep attention could not be a compulsory requirement to everyone, especially student. The decisive factor is their interests. It would be a better option if let the shift between hyper and deep attention happened naturally.