Scientists have named brain rhythms as the reason for frequent distractions

Scientists have found that frequent distractions, including pop-ups or notifications, may be related to the natural rhythms of the brain. These rhythmic attention shifts occur 7-10 times per second and play an important role in survival, helping people maintain attention to surrounding events. This was reported on February 25 by Medical Xpress magazine.

According to the publication, in today's world surrounded by digital devices, attention switching cycles can also make people more susceptible to distractions. Ian Fibelkorn, senior author of the study, PhD, associate professor of neuroscience at the Del Monte Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, said that such switches were useful for ancestors who had to remain alert because of possible dangers.

"But in our modern environment, with laptops open in front of us and a smartphone next to us, rhythmically appearing windows for useful attention shifts can also work against us. That is, rhythmically occurring windows for attention shifts are also associated with increased susceptibility to distracting information," he added.

Using an electroencephalogram (EEG), the researchers studied the brain signals of 40 participants who were asked to focus on a dim gray square on a screen, with colored dots serving as distractions.

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The procedure showed rhythmic patterns when the participants' attention shifted to distracting objects, which happened 7-10 times per second. This was due to periods when the ability to notice target objects decreased and the susceptibility to distractions increased.

If these results are applied to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this, according to experts, may help to understand why such patients may be prone to hyperfocus or increased distraction.

"Our study shows that the typical brain rhythmically alternates states that either enhance information processing in the current focus of attention, or increase the likelihood of redirecting attention to something else. Perhaps the brains of people with ADHD do not switch between these states as often, which leads to a loss of cognitive flexibility," Fibelkorn said.

Scientists claim that this study may be the key to developing new strategies to improve concentration.

On January 5, Medical Xpress pointed out the connection between the growth of attention problems in adolescents and social networks. According to the study, it is the use of social media that is associated with the gradual increase in inattention. Video games and video watching, in turn, did not show a statistically significant negative effect.

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