Athens Police Officer Reflects on the Value of Attention

Erik Hogan explores how modern technology and social media are impacting human attention spans.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:05pm

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In a personal essay, Athens police officer Erik Hogan reflects on his own experiences with attention and how it has changed over time, from the pre-digital era to the present day. Hogan discusses the potential consequences of diminishing attention spans, including the rise of AI and the manipulation of information, and argues that attention may be one of humanity's most valuable assets. He shares his own efforts to retain his focus and be present in the moment, rather than constantly seeking digital stimulation.

Why it matters

Hogan's essay touches on broader societal trends around attention, technology, and authenticity that are highly relevant to many readers. As digital distractions become increasingly pervasive, understanding the value of sustained attention and how to cultivate it is an important skill. Hogan's personal reflections provide a thoughtful perspective on these issues.

The details

In the essay, Hogan describes his experience on a five-day backpacking trip where he intentionally avoided any digital stimulation. He found that by the third day, his mind had settled and he was able to be more present in the moment. This led him to reflect on how writing and typing may have diminished human attention spans over time, and how modern technologies like smartphones and social media are accelerating this trend. Hogan is concerned that outsourcing reasoning and creativity to AI could further erode our capacity for sustained focus and authentic self-discovery.

  • Hogan wrote the essay over the course of two to three days.
  • Recent technological developments mentioned include the testing of autonomous humanoid robots in the war in Ukraine, the possibility that the AI system Claude has become conscious, and the creation of computers running on human brain cells.

The players

Erik Hogan

An Athens, Georgia police officer whose photography focuses on capturing the beauty of nature.

Epictetus

A Greco-Roman Stoic philosopher who urged people not to sell themselves cheaply.

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What they’re saying

“Attention is the new currency and we spend it freely, perhaps because we feel like we've lost nothing when we do so.”

— Erik Hogan

“Epictetus urges us to not sell ourselves cheaply.”

— Erik Hogan

What’s next

Hogan plans to continue his efforts to retain his attention and focus, such as reading physical books, writing with pen and paper, and spending time in nature without digital distractions.

The takeaway

Hogan's essay highlights the importance of cultivating sustained attention and presence in an increasingly digital world. By being intentional about how we allocate our attention, we can develop a stronger sense of self and authenticity, which may be crucial as technology continues to advance and reshape our lives.