When the mind gets overstimulated, it floats in a sea of indifference. Hyperactivity stuns the moment in exchange for immediate gratification. We consume and forget, like a goldfish.
Screens monopolize attention, the same way TV, books, and other forms of media put us in a trance. The difference in smartphone starting is the surge of variable rewards delivered into the thumbs. We refresh and spin the wheel again, awaiting the next like, follow, retweet, reply, or instant message.
Spinning around like a ping pong ball in a wheel a fortune, the pause kills the excitement of anticipation. The moment is over, boredom sweeps over until we go for another whirl.
gif by @ilkafranz