attention span

American  

noun

1. the interval during which an individual can concentrate, as on a single object, idea, or activity.

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Etymology

Origin of attention span

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

They were never meant to, because the prevailing understanding is that content is primarily a feast for the eyes and shortened attention spans.

From Salon

The stock market behaves a lot like a toddler: a short attention span, active imagination and some irrational fears.

From The Wall Street Journal

Aggregators willfully take advantage of news avoidance, narrow attention spans and short fuses.

From Salon

A multiple Emmy-award winner, “The Pitt” has found what may be the perfect remedy for people with short attention spans, a weakness for pathos and a hunger for detail of the modern-medical variety.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chris Bailey is aware that we live in a distracted age, with shrinking attention spans and minds prone to wander.

From The Wall Street Journal