Where did my attention go? | Lorena Barboza | TEDxEscola Concept Ribeirão Preto

Digital distractions and their effect on focus, memory and stress are the subject of this TEDx talk by Lorena Barboza, given at TEDxEscola Concept Ribeirão Preto. The speaker uses her own habit of getting distracted whenever she picks up her phone to show how hard it has become to stay focused amid constant stimuli. She cites studies from the University of California and Stanford University that link constant screen switching and multitasking to weaker memory, higher stress and heavier load on brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The talk closes with an invitation to practise being present in everyday activities, putting the phone down and becoming comfortable with one's own company as a way to protect mental health and deep thinking.

• Impact of phone use and information overload on attention
• Studies from UC and Stanford on multitasking, memory and stress
• Invitation to be present and put the phone down

In this TEDx presentation, Lorena Barboza addresses the impact of digital distractions on our ability to focus and maintain attention, reflecting on how constant phone use and information overload affect the human brain. The speaker shares her own experience with getting distracted whenever she picks up her phone to illustrate our collective struggle to stay focused in a world filled with constant stimuli. She also highlights studies from the University of California and Stanford University, demonstrating that constant screen switching and multitasking impair memory, increase stress, and overload brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Lorena invites the audience to practice being present in their daily activities, reminding us that putting the phone down and learning to enjoy our own company is essential for preserving mental health and the ability to think deeply. Grade 7 student at Escola Concept Ribeirão Preto This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx