Archive · 13 Dec 2025
John Grisham Warns of Deteriorating Attention Spans
John Grisham, a famous author, recently talked about how our attention spans are getting shorter.
He said that people used to read more before the internet, and now it's harder to focus on books.
He thinks video games, TV, and music don't make you smarter, but reading does.
Grisham shared some tips to improve focus, like setting a baseline for how long you can read without distractions, removing things that steal your attention, and creating habits that help you concentrate.
He also said it's important to take breaks and connect what you're doing to a bigger purpose.
Grisham believes that losing yourself in a good book is a special experience that modern life is trying to take away.
John Grisham warns that attention spans are deteriorating due to digital distractions.
He notes that reading habits have declined significantly over the past two decades.
Grisham argues that reading books makes you smarter, unlike video games, TV, or music.
He suggests establishing a baseline for attention span, eliminating distractions, and building deep work rituals.
Grisham also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and connecting tasks to a meaningful purpose.
- Who
- John Grisham, bestselling author
- What
- Warning about deteriorating attention spans and the decline in reading habits
- When
- Recent interview with BBC Global
- Where
- Interview conducted by Katty Kay
- Why
- To highlight the impact of digital distractions on focus and the importance of reading
- Author
- John Grisham
- Interview Platform
- BBC Global
- Interviewer
- Katty Kay
- Books Sold
- Over 50 bestsellers
- Key Concern
- Decline in reading habits
- Recommended Practice
- Establish a baseline for attention span
- Attention Leech
- Digital devices and notifications
- Deep Work Ritual
- Consistent cues for focus