It can often feel impossible not to be easily distracted by the ping of a smartphone or an overcrowded inbox.
But adult attention spans have actually gotten worse, according to a poll of 2,000 people in the UK.
It found the typical Brit can only focus on a task for an average of just 17 minutes and 10 seconds.
Gen Z fared far worse, with almost half of 18-24-year-olds admitting they got distracted in under 60 seconds.
This compares to only 7 per cent of 65s-and-overs who reporting this level of mental wandering.
Brits can focus on a task for an average of just 17 minutes and 10 seconds. Experts, who quizzed more than 2,000 adults, also found the ability to listen to partners often only lasts for just over 19 minutes
Tiredness, stress and distractions from mobile phones were among the top reasons adults admitted to losing concentration, the study — commissioned by Nest — revealed
Modern living, with constant pings and buzzes from a myriad of devices could also be making British attention spans even worse.
More than a third (36 per cent) of those surveyed said their attention span has worsened in recent years.
The poll, conducted by workplace pension firm Nest, also found the average Brits ability to listen to their partner often only lasts for about 19 minutes.
Tiredness, stress and distractions from mobile phones were among the top reasons adults admitted to losing concentration, the study — commissioned by Nest — revealed.
Gavin Perera-Betts, Nest’s chief customer officer said: ‘Constant notifications, social media and instant access to information can impact our ability to concentrate for extended periods.
‘It’s not just technology to blame – stress and fatigue also play a significant role. When we’re tired or stressed, we struggle to maintain concentration.
‘When we’re tired or stressed, we struggle to maintain concentration, making it even harder to stay focused on a single task.
The poll also found that sorting out finances can only keep us occupied for an average of 19 minutes and 49 seconds, and tasks at work for only slightly longer at 20 minutes and 40 seconds.
Only a fifth (22 per cent) said it had improved.
In 2015, Microsoft announced the average human attention span was just eight seconds—shorter than even the attention span of a goldfish.
But the figure has since been debunked over lack of a ‘credible source’.
Of those polled, 39 per cent admitted they feel compelled to check their phones when they lose interest in something.
While 45 per cent jump between tasks, and 42 per cent let themselves daydream.
