“The Brain Melt Is Real”: On Student and Instructor Notions of Digital Technology-Induced Distractedness at McMaster University

Abstract

This thesis examines the rapid expansion of the ‘discourse of distraction,’ which I define as a widespread public perception that students who grew up with access to digital activities are unable to concentrate on academic tasks, and, that such activities in adulthood are distracting. Based on a literature review and semi-structured interviews with Social Sciences undergraduate students and faculty at McMaster University, I argue that the contemporary socio-political environment of universities has facilitated the utilization of digital technologies in a manner which is harmful students’ ability to concentrate. I also argue that digital technologies impact various socio-cultural dimensions of the university. Finally, I suggest that the discourse of distraction has sufficient force to change how people interact with digital technology and schoolwork altogether.