The attention trap: Cambridge professor explains why you can't stop scrolling #youthvision

When challenges arise, how can we avoid anxiety and frustration? CGTN Digital Chief Editor Du Yubin talks with Alan Macfarlane, professor of social anthropology at the University of Cambridge and fellow of the British Academy about the "attention trap" in the digital age.

Professor Macfarlane explains that excessive short-video use can become a form of addiction: it may seem to relieve anxiety or boredom at first, but can actually make them worse by shortening attention spans and fragmenting our thoughts.

He suggests taking practical steps to regain control, such as gradually reducing screen time, spending more time outdoors, reading, reflecting and developing healthier habits. "A little bit of this doesn't do any harm, but when it gets too out of hand, then you get into this circular spiral of fragmentation," he says. #cgtn #Cambridge #uk #china #anxiety #frustration #mind

📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay updated with our latest analysis and interviews:👇 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrNz-aDmcr2uuto8_DL2jg 👈

Download our APP on Apple Store (iOS): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cctvnews-app/id922456579?l=zh&ls=1&mt=8 Download our APP on Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imib.cctv

For more: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-06-14/Cambridge-professor-explains-why-you-can-t-stop-scrolling-1NYrv5y0HQY/p.html

Most watched videos: Impossible Challenge: 30 seconds to count banknotes BLINDFOLDED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmP_Ybj-jws Impossible Challenge: Gymnastics Boy Arat Hosseini from Iran! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sxX--U4c8w Impossible Challenge: How to calm babies in 5 seconds? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR3q9sXM7WA