# German experts advocate attention retraining

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-experts-address-digital-attention
> Updated: 2026-07-29T03:06:04.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

German researchers continue to warn that short‑form social‑media content, frequent smartphone alerts and a culture of instant information erode sustained focus. Psychologists Cordula Nussbaum and neuroscientist Henning Beck argue that the brain is now conditioned to expect interruptions every few minutes, making uninterrupted work feel restless. They maintain that attention can be relearned through deliberate training and routine changes.

In a July 2026 interview, Nussbaum and Beck reiterated their earlier recommendations, emphasizing concrete screen‑free windows such as avoiding the phone first thing in the morning and after brushing teeth, banning devices from the dining room, and handling e‑mail only on a computer. They also stress disabling non‑essential notifications, focusing on single, continuous activities, and substituting digital consumption with analog alternatives like printed magazines or books. Their guidance targets anyone feeling overwhelmed by digital interruptions and aims to rebuild long‑term concentration and a sense of accomplishment.

## Claims

- People have lost the ability to focus for long periods in recent years. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The modern media landscape, especially social media and smartphones, is the main cause of reduced attention spans. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The brain has become accustomed to receiving stimuli every few minutes, otherwise it becomes restless. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Attention focused on smartphones feels like attention but is ultimately unfulfilling. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Deliberate training and new routines can improve focus. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Establishing screen‑free periods, such as avoiding phone use at set times, helps improve concentration. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Focusing on a single, continuous piece of content rather than frequent jumps improves attention. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Distraction is a conscious decision. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-29: Cordula Nussbaum and Henning Beck Offer Tips to Re‑train Attention

Cordula Nussbaum and neuroscientist Henning Beck say smartphone‑driven habits have eroded focus, but screen‑free routines and deliberate training can restore sustained attention.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-experts-nussbaum-and-beck-advise-on-attention-training

### 2026-07-02: German experts examine memory filtering and student attention in the digital age

German psychologists say forgetting conserves brain energy, while a teacher warns that smartphones erode student attention, urging a return to analog learning.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-experts-examine-memory-filtering-and-student-attention-in-the-digital-age

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Cite as: German experts advocate attention retraining. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-experts-address-digital-attention