Sex! Drugs! Rock & Roll!

Caught your attention? Studies show that most people only pay attention to the first word or two of a headline. If they're not hooked, they move on.  I see this as more than just evidence of our shorter attention spans, we do this because of sheer information overload.  With all the blogs, articles, Facebook posts, tweets, and whatnot to keep up with, it's a survival strategy to just skim until we find something we really care about.

(Short paragraphs also apparently retain viewers as well.)  Moreover, with the incredible array of voices and media clamoring for our attention, our collective opinions are less easily shaped or influenced.  Back in the day when everyone in a community read one newspaper, it was easier to reach a broad consensus on issues.  Now, with a media outlet for every conceivable interest group or point of view, we never end up agreeing on anything.

Still with me?