THE GOLDFISH JURY: Got your Attention?

Abstract

This paper investigates the extensive societal disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (2021–2023) and its lasting impact on human attention and social interaction. It highlights how the pandemic not only increased death rates from respiratory infections but also significantly hindered interpersonal learning and communication by isolating individuals. Evidence from the NEAP 2024 indicates a measurable decline in academic performance, with average reading scores dropping by two points among 4th and 8th graders, suggesting that educational disruptions have long-term cognitive effects. The study further explores the concept of a “Kessler Effect of Human Attention,” drawing an analogy to the cascade of space debris, where the overwhelming flow of digital data and algorithm-driven content leads to fragmented focus and diminished deep thinking. Additionally, it examines how age-related differences in attention processing and decision-making are influenced by the loss of traditional, interpersonal interactions, calling for new strategies to counteract information overload and maintain societal cohesion.