One-chapter nation: Britons struggle to stay focused as reading and TV attention wanes

Britons' attention spans have shortened to an average of about 14 minutes for reading and roughly 15 minutes for watching a film or TV show, according to a nationwide survey. The study, which polled 2,000 nationally representative UK adults, was conducted by Perspectus Global for the health-care company Abbott. It points to a modern pattern in which everyday tasks—whether at work, at home or during leisure—are interrupted by digital notifications and other rapid-fire stimuli.

The survey found that the main culprits behind distraction are digital alerts and social engagement tools. About 43 percent of respondents blamed notifications from platforms such as Instagram and Facebook for pulling their attention away from tasks. A similar share, 41 percent, said WhatsApp and other messaging alerts were the most disruptive. Far fewer cited older factors; 26 percent pointed to constant Googling, and 22 percent blamed doom-scrolling for reading and other activities taking longer than expected. In addition to longer-form work like reading, the study documented how short bouts of focus extend to other daily activities: on average, participants could only focus for 11 minutes on a virtual work call, 13 minutes in a face-to-face meeting, and 12 minutes while composing an important email. Outside work, focus dropped to 12 minutes for life administration and 14 minutes at a family gathering, while listening to a podcast carried an 11-minute limit and meditation only 10 minutes.

Afternoons emerged as the biggest productivity sink, with 47 percent of respondents saying their focus drops after lunch. Overall, four in five admitted to getting distracted easily, with people reporting an average of about eight distraction episodes per day. Age is also a factor: 40 percent said their concentration has worsened over time. The study also highlights non-screen drivers of distraction, including sugar crashes, cited by 30 percent, street noise by 25 percent, and people talking loudly by 25 percent. Tiredness accounted for 23 percent, intrusive thoughts for 21 percent, and mental overload for 13 percent.

Sleep and focus appear tightly linked. A striking 72 percent said their concentration nosedives after a bad night’s sleep, underscoring how sleep quality shapes performance across reading, screen time, and daily tasks. The authors emphasize that the numbers reflect a broad cultural shift in attention and the way people allocate their cognitive resources across activities.

Abbott commissioned the survey as part of research for its biowearable device, Lingo, which monitors glucose levels for non-medical purposes. Sophie Bertrand, resident nutritionist for Lingo, said fluctuating glucose levels can influence concentration. “One of the key factors in how well we can concentrate is glucose,” she said. “When your glucose spikes and crashes, it can throw off your ability to focus. That’s why understanding and managing your glucose curve can be a powerful tool for improving productivity and mental clarity throughout the day.”

The findings offer a snapshot of contemporary attention spans and how technology, health metrics, and daily routines intersect. While the study does not establish causation, it underscores a common experience: in an era of nonstop notifications, many people report a struggle to sustain attention across both work- and home-life tasks. The results have implications for employers seeking to support focus and for individuals seeking strategies to minimize distractions while maintaining productivity.