The Lost Art of Deep Work
I’ve always prided myself on my ability to focus deeply. Whether it was writing, reading, or solving problems at work, I could immerse myself for hours without distraction. But over the past few years, I’ve noticed a shift. My attention is more fragmented, and I find myself instinctively reaching for my phone every few minutes. Even when I set aside time for deep work, it feels harder to sustain the same level of focus I once had. And I know I’m not alone in this struggle.
In an age where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly capable of handling complex tasks, human intelligence is at risk, not because AI is smarter, but because our ability to focus deeply is eroding. The constant influx of notifications, the pressure to multitask, and the expectation of immediate responses have made deep work i.e. sustained, undistracted focus on cognitively demanding tasks, a thing of the past. Yet the ability to engage in deep work has never been more valuable.
Our attention spans are shrinking. Studies suggest that the average person’s ability to focus has been steadily decreasing. In 2024, the average attention span was estimated to be 8.25 seconds, compared to 12 seconds in 2000. This is possibly driven by platforms like TikTok that encourage endless scrolling and rapid context-switching. And also by gen AI tools that make it easier to rely on automation rather then engaging in sustained thought.
AI can only synthesise existing information - nothing new is created. We still need humans to do that. AI platforms continually recycle user data, replicating and proliferating content on a massive scale. AI systems are often designed to standardize and enforce uniformity in the content they deliver, which can lead to a digital landscape cluttered with content that all read and sound the same.
Breakthroughs in science, philosophy, art, and technology require extended periods of deep thinking. True expertise is developed through sustained effort. The ability to engage deeply with a subject is what separates those who excel from those who simply skim the surface.
AI tools can optimize workflows, but without deep human engagement, they can lead to a superficial understanding of complex issues. Humans must remain the architects of meaning and context. I use AI in my work, but I make a conscious effort to make it supplement my thinking rather than replace it.
So how do we reclaim deep work? Maybe I'll write this in another post.
The fact remains that the future will belong to those who can think deeply, work with focus, and engage in complex problem-solving skills, i.e. skills that AI cannot replace. As automation becomes more sophisticated, human intelligence must adapt, not by competing with AI on speed or efficiency, but by doubling down on what makes us unique: our capacity for deep, original thought. Preserving deep work is not just about productivity; it’s about maintaining our intellectual autonomy in an AI-driven world. And for me, reclaiming my ability to focus deeply is not just a professional goal—it’s a personal mission.
Sonam Pelden
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