It’s not just the impact the format has on the content, and, subsequently, how on we imbibe information and experience entertainment, but yes on attention spans, but this isn’t just about the effects on education or average cognitive ability (or cognitive development in kids). The erosion of people’s capacity for sustained concentration has much wider effects: on any serious social and cultural commentary, yes, but also less appreciated on moral judgment, forming social bonds, empathy. I’ve met people who seem incapable of starting or maintaining romantic relationships and it took me a long time to realise that they don’t have the necessary attention, expect instant gratification, and become extremely shallow in their tastes and judgment without realising. Relatedly, I’ve also met three senior London journalists who have all said, almost in passing: ‘Oh, I can’t watch movies, at all, ever. I only do it with the FF button on 2.0x.’ A bit alarming imo.