TL;DR
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Jonathan Haidt, speaking at NYU’s 2026 commencement, highlights the importance of paying attention in a world dominated by digital distractions. He warns that corporations vie for our focus and urges graduates to actively choose what to attend to, shaping their future selves.
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and contributing writer at The Atlantic, delivered the commencement address at NYU on May 14, 2026, emphasizing the critical importance of paying attention in a digital age where corporations compete for our focus. His message underscores why attention is a vital skill for graduates entering a world filled with distractions and manipulation.
Haidt’s speech focused on the concept that attention is a limited and valuable resource, increasingly targeted by large tech companies like Meta, which generate billions by capturing and selling human attention. He referenced David Foster Wallace’s 2005 address, highlighting that education should teach students to choose what to think about, not just how to think.
Haidt shared practical advice from his research, such as turning off notifications and deleting social media apps temporarily to regain control over one’s focus. He noted that students who practice these steps report feeling more present and less overwhelmed, illustrating the tangible benefits of attentional discipline.
Why It Matters
This speech underscores a growing concern about digital manipulation and its impact on mental health and decision-making. For graduates, mastering attention is presented as essential for personal well-being, professional success, and civic engagement. The message resonates in a broader societal context, where attention is a contested resource, influencing public discourse, political processes, and individual autonomy.
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Background
Haidt’s address builds on longstanding debates about technology’s influence on attention and cognition. His emphasis on reclaiming focus echoes earlier warnings from figures like David Foster Wallace and reflects ongoing research into digital distractions’ effects on mental health. The speech arrives at a time when concerns about social media’s role in mental health crises are mounting, and attention economy theories are gaining prominence in academic and policy discussions.
“Treasure your attention.”
— Jonathan Haidt
“The really significant education-in-thinking isn’t really about the capacity to think, but rather about the choice of what to think about.”
— David Foster Wallace
“Most of us have experienced how much better life feels when we remove interruptions and check things on our own schedule.”
— Haidt
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how widespread adoption of attentional practices will be among graduates or the long-term effectiveness of these strategies. There is also ongoing debate about the extent to which digital platforms will change their business models to reduce attention grabbing, and whether regulatory measures will be implemented to curb manipulative practices.
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What’s Next
Following his speech, attention to digital well-being is expected to increase among educators, policymakers, and tech companies. Future initiatives may include integrating attentional training into curricula and developing tools to help users manage digital distractions more effectively. The broader societal effort to address attention economy concerns is likely to intensify in the coming years.
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Key Questions
Why is attention considered so valuable today?
Attention is the foundation of decision-making, learning, and relationships. In a digital age, it is a limited resource targeted by companies to influence behavior and generate profit, making it crucial for personal autonomy and mental health.
What practical steps can I take to improve my attention?
Strategies include turning off notifications, setting specific times to check social media, deleting apps temporarily, and practicing mindfulness to stay present in the moment.
How does digital distraction affect mental health?
Research links constant digital interruptions to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced focus, which can impair overall well-being and cognitive functioning.
Will tech companies change their practices to help users focus?
It is uncertain. While some companies are experimenting with less intrusive features, many still prioritize engagement metrics, and regulatory efforts are ongoing but not yet widespread.
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