An in Depth and Thought Provoking Book Review of Stolen Focus by Johann Hari

Date: 03/08/2024

Location: Mix of tube commutes to work in London and at home.

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Stolen focus is a book that I mention in conversation probably about every 2-4 weeks. It has created so much understanding and awareness for me of the factors that play into mine and societies deteriorating ability to pay attention. It seems to be so relevant and just slips into my conversations often, as I attempt to educate those around me on the ground breaking realisations it created for me, and the flow on positive impacts this has had on my life. This book helped enhance my understanding of the online world, why social media makes us do and feel the way we feel, and why I can’t seem to sit down to read a book or work on a project without constantly checking my phone and distracting myself. It wasn’t just realisations and doom in gloom. It gave me constructive ways to manage technology in everyday life. We can't get rid of technology completely, so part (but not all) of the solution is to learn how to live with technology in a way that works for you. The other solution is much greater and will take society across the globe to ban together. Let me dive into the insights and learnings I obtained from Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. Then you can decide for yourself if it's worth your time to read…or listen to. From my passion of spreading information to improve people's lives, I really do hope you pick up this book when the time is right for you.

The thing that got me to pick up this book is I noticed my attention reducing drastically. It's only when I got so frustrated that I couldn't seem to do things for long periods of time anymore, that I really noticed my deterioration of attention over the years. Historically I had been a very studious, dedicated and focused person. But no matter how hard I tried I felt like I was taking ages to complete tasks and struggled to maintain concentration for long periods of time. I put the blame on myself. I'm not trying hard enough, I’m lazy, and it left me with overwhelming to do lists and increasing anxiety. I thought to myself, why do I check my phone unconsciously every 30 seconds? Why am I so distracted and anxious and can't settle into reading my book without getting distracted every 5 min? Is there something wrong with me? Is it my anxiety? Is it media? Am I faulty? Why do I feel I am being so unproductive when I'm trying so hard to be productive and achieve my goals? Stolen Focus soon uncovered I wasn’t the one to blame. It was largely from technology targeting the weakness in humanity, and playing a game to fight for my attention for money.

When I stumbled upon this book in a bookstore, I remember thinking, this is exactly what I need right now! I was so crappled with the idea of reading it I brought the physical copy right then. Ironically this took a mix of reading and audio and not great attention to get through it, further validating its importance lol. But boy has it changed the way I think and live in so many ways. I want this to reach as many people as it can, to help them and society as a whole, to improve their lives and trajectory. Hence why I'm taking the time to write this review. Like I take the time in my everyday life to explain this book and encourage others to read it if they are interested.

Johann exceptionally critiqued scientific research and experts conclusions, highlighting the strength of evidence and issues/bias to take into consideration when interpreting. Then collated key ideas, and summarised it beautifully into digestible main points. After creating awareness and understanding of the factors contributing to societies' reduced ability to pay attention, he then attempts himself to use the ideas to live with technology while trying to safeguard his attention. He also trials having no technology to see the effect on his attention. I admired his honest account and transparency around this, highlighting his lack of perfection in managing the effect of technology on his attention today. This was inspiring and made attempting to implement these strategies in my own life more attainable, and less daunting with lack of pressure for perfectionism. It seemed less like hard and fast rules. Instead he made it more of a learning opportunity and journey to manage technology and improve our attention along the way.

After reading Stolen Focus, I did retreat from social media for a while. Deleted my instagram and snapchat intermittently and was very conscious of the effect it had on me. I retreated in fear and shock at the control I so quickly became aware it had over me. And in a way for reflection and space to determine how I was going to navigate having technology in my life and learn how to use it to improve my life, instead of it controlling my every waking moment. With time and observation of the modern world and people around me, I still saw the good that media had. How it can connect people, the information you can learn, and different views you can expose yourself to, without having to meet them in person. This opens an opportunity for people to accomplish goals and live completely different lives, compared to only being exposed to limited people and influences around you in your day to day life. I saw the benefits of this and began to use media with awareness. Awareness of where human weakness lies in the equation but also understanding how to make it work for us. Staying aware of the algorithm and extreme one sided viewed posts and similar content it leads to, and the ever growing stolen focus observed in those around me, I started to integrate social media back into my life consciously. I used it as consciously as I could to improve my life. Such as following accounts that align with my hobbies and interests, listening to books and podcasts on things I wanted to learn, doing courses, communicating with friends and family. Using it for learning and growing and reaching my goals. I am careful and frequently evaluate how often I’m using media and what for. Am I controlling it or is it controlling me? I did feel quite in control until recently and I feel like it's taking over again. It's a hard balance to get. And as the odds are stacked against us we can't beat ourselves up for it. Instead we need to continue to be aware, learn new ways and habits to make it work for us, and not us work for them.

This book lies close to my heart as it’s a contributor to deciding to create this community and build my dream lifestyle. I can't run away from technology but we can use it to our benefit and to make a difference. And I also believe, with awareness comes power. So from these realisations, is Ruby-Rose in the Wild. A real, authentic space to support women in living the life they want to live. Sharing thoughts, knowledge, experience and love. Creating a community and connection, in a world that is so badly losing it. It needs it more than ever!

I am grateful to have some amazing women in my life that have helped guide me in some hard lessons over the years. But in reflection I think what if other women don't have this? Don't have this guidance and support? Don't have strong, compassionate, and caring women to help guide them through the lessons and obstacles in life. As beautiful as life can be, it can also be hard, scary, overwhelming and lonely. So this space is for all women. So no one is left out of an opportunity of connection, support, encouragement and learning and growing in this life.

So that’s a little summary of my learnings from the book and how it has influenced my life. And as my whole goal is to encourage women to live the life they truly want to live and improve their lives, I encourage you all to read this book. You can buy it online here, paper copy or audio book. Have awareness of this pressing global issue and find how you can take back your time and use it how you want, instead of feeling out of control. As after all, time is the most precious resource right?

Please share this book with others in your life who would benefit, as with community we have strength and power, and with power comes responsibility and change 💛

Thank you for being here and continuing to learn and grow together. It means the world.

Until next time.

Ruby-Rose x