The Explainer Series: Attention Span

The Explainer Series: Attention Span

slq Auditorium 2, level 2South Brisbane, QLD
Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm AEST
Overview

The Explainer Series is about making sense of the questions we’re all asking.

Attention Span

In an age of endless notifications, short-form content, and algorithmically curated feeds, are we losing our ability to focus? Or are our brains simply adapting to a new kind of information landscape? This session will explore what social media is doing to our attention spans, how platforms shape the way we consume and process information, and what it all means for our mental health, civic engagement, and the next generation.

The Explainer Series

The Explainer Series is a space for thoughtful conversations with people who really know their stuff, sharing insights and context so we can better navigate the big and small questions in our lives.

From international law and cryptocurrency to climate change, gut health and space junk, these talks bring ideas, trends and debates into focus, helping us form our own understanding, guided by curiosity and expertise.

There’s no spin and no hype, just experts helping us think more clearly about the world around us.

The Explainer Series is generously supported by Gina Fairfax AC and Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Library Foundation.

Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.

Please consult our conditions of entry before making your booking.

We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.

The views expressed by the speakers are their own and the promotion of products/services is not endorsed by State Library.

The Explainer Series is about making sense of the questions we’re all asking.

Attention Span

In an age of endless notifications, short-form content, and algorithmically curated feeds, are we losing our ability to focus? Or are our brains simply adapting to a new kind of information landscape? This session will explore what social media is doing to our attention spans, how platforms shape the way we consume and process information, and what it all means for our mental health, civic engagement, and the next generation.

The Explainer Series

The Explainer Series is a space for thoughtful conversations with people who really know their stuff, sharing insights and context so we can better navigate the big and small questions in our lives.

From international law and cryptocurrency to climate change, gut health and space junk, these talks bring ideas, trends and debates into focus, helping us form our own understanding, guided by curiosity and expertise.

There’s no spin and no hype, just experts helping us think more clearly about the world around us.

The Explainer Series is generously supported by Gina Fairfax AC and Tim Fairfax AC through the Queensland Library Foundation.

Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.

Please consult our conditions of entry before making your booking.

We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement.

The views expressed by the speakers are their own and the promotion of products/services is not endorsed by State Library.

Good to know

Highlights

  • 1 hour 30 minutes
  • under 16 with parent or legal guardian
  • In-person
  • Doors at 6pm

Refund Policy

No refunds

Location

slq Auditorium 2, level 2

State Library of Queensland

Stanley Pl South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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State Library of Queensland
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