Self-interrupt

The class discussion that ensued after her statement confirmed that having limited technology distractions helped the students realize that not only did they self-interrupt themselves, but they were causing their own perceptions of overload by being so responsive to others.

As was mentioned in a previous section, the lure of digital technology may also be having a wider impact on the potential for individuals to automatically ‘self-interrupt’ their current activities.

We don’t know exactly why people self-interrupt. There can, in fact, be different reasons. People may self-interrupt to take a break. People may self-interrupt out of habit or may even be conditioned to self-interrupt. One reason that could explain some self-interruptions is that they occur when people need a problem to incubate.

This test helps to (a) build your executive stamina and train your brain not to act on impulses immediately, and (b) determine whether the urge to self-interrupt is a habit or a need for a brief disconnection.