
Google's ex-CEO has an advice for those trying focus at work: Meditation apps don't work, turn off your …
CEO
Eric Schmidt
has a straightforward message for young workers struggling to concentrate or unwind: ditch the
digital distractions
entirely. Speaking on the Moonshots podcast,
Schmidt
said researchers "can't think deeply" with constant phone notifications and dismissed
meditation apps
as counterproductive to genuine relaxation.
Schmidt, who led Google for a decade during its explosive growth, observed that 20-something researchers he works with have found a definitive solution to maintaining focus. "They turn off their phone," he stated, according to Business Insider. "You can't think deeply as a researcher with this thing buzzing."
Industry designed to hijack your attention, former Google chief warns
The tech veteran acknowledged his industry's role in creating the attention crisis plaguing modern workers. Schmidt explained that technology companies have systematically worked to "monetize your attention" through advertising, notifications, and entertainment designed to capture "all of your waking hours."
This constant stimulation runs "completely antithetical to the way humans traditionally work with respect to long thoughtful examination of principles," Schmidt noted. Research supports his concerns, with attention researcher
Gloria Mark
finding that average computer screen focus time has plummeted from 2.5 minutes two decades ago to just 47 seconds today.
Schmidt says that digital wellness apps miss the mark
Schmidt particularly criticized meditation apps that promise to help users relax while keeping them glued to their devices. "My favorite are these digital apps that make you relax," he said. "The correct thing to do to relax is to turn off your phone, right? And then relax in a traditional way."
However, meditation app companies pushed back against Schmidt's assessment. A
Calm
spokesperson told Business Insider that "not all screen time is created equal," while Headspace's chief clinical officer Jenna Glover argued that telling young people to simply turn off phones "isn't realistic or helpful."
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
AP signs MoU with YouTube, Tezaract to launch ‘Creator Academy'
Vijayawada: The state govt signed an MoU with YouTube and Tezaract USA Inc. for the establishment of a 'Creator Academy'. The agreement was signed in the presence of the minister for ITE&C and HRD, Nara Lokesh, in Singapore on Tuesday. The academy will serve as a centre of excellence for creative content development. According to the MoU, Google will support the curriculum, technology, and expertise, while Tezaract will handle infrastructure and daily operations. YouTube will provide industry knowledge, channel support, and training to help students grow their digital presence. The MoU was signed by Teja Dharma, president of Tezaract, and Bhaskar Katamaneni, secretary for IT, GoAP, in the presence of Lokesh and others. "I am confident that this partnership with YouTube will unleash and harness the creative energies of Andhra Pradesh's youth and make us leaders in the digital economy. This will empower India's creative economy," said Lokesh. On the third day of the Singapore tour, Lokesh also met Google Cloud's director, Drew Brains, and requested the setup of a chip designing centre in AP. As Google already signed two MoUs with AP for setting up a data centre and for skill development in AI, Lokesh requested the establishment of a chip design facility away from China and Taiwan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo In the meeting with the managing director of Murata Electronics Pvt Ltd, Hiroyuki Niwa, Lokesh explained the opportunities to set up electronics component manufacturing facilities in Andhra Pradesh. With a dedicated policy offering attractive incentives and better connectivity with ports and airports, AP is ideal for electronics manufacturing, said Lokesh. Later, he also met Carrier executive director, Arun Bhatia, and requested the setup of a cold chain logistics hub in AP. As ST Tele Media Investments plans to double its operations in India, Lokesh requested the setup of a green energy data centre in Visakhapatnam, which is poised to become a data city with a slew of investments into the sector, including Google. Lokesh met ST Tele Media Investments (India) head, Ritu Mehlawat, and requested collaboration with Andhra Pradesh. Lokesh said that the state govt is keen to make AP a strategic destination for the Asia market. He said that the govt is ready to extend full cooperation to companies willing to invest in IT, electronics, and semiconductors.


Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Economic Times
Palo Alto Networks in talks to buy CyberArk in deal worth over $20 billion: Report
Agencies Nikesh Arora, CEO, Palo Alto Networks Palo Alto Networks is in talks to acquire CyberArk Software in a deal that could value the Israeli cybersecurity firm at more than $20 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares in CyberArk rose about 13%, while Palo Alto Networks' stock fell roughly 2%. The Santa Clara, California-based company could finalise a deal for CyberArk as soon as later this week, the report said. CyberArk declined to comment on the report when contacted by Reuters. Palo Alto did not immediately respond. Cybersecurity deal activity has been robust in recent years as large corporations have increased spending on security tools. Google-parent Alphabet said in March it would buy Israeli cybersecurity startup Wiz for about $32 billion. Rising competition among all-in-one cybersecurity platforms has reshaped the industry, making several companies attractive takeover targets for larger rivals and private equity firms. As of Monday's close, CyberArk had a market capitalization of $19.3 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Google and Meta no longer cool? 75% of grads are walking away from Big Tech dreams for new career paths
Gen Z new career paths 2025: For years, the towering offices of Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon symbolised more than just workplace campuses, they were seen as modern cathedrals of ambition, because a job offer from one of these tech giants wasn't just a career milestone, it was a badge of honor, as per a report. However, that outlook is rapidly changing at present. Why Are Gen Z Graduates Turning Away from Big Tech? Today's graduates are turning away from Silicon Valley, not because they lack the talent or the opportunity, but because they're searching for something else: stability, meaning, and purpose, as per a TOI report. The once-unquestioned allure of Big Tech is beginning to fade, according to the report. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics Finance Degree Data Science Others Digital Marketing PGDM Leadership Technology Project Management Product Management others healthcare Management Design Thinking Data Science Healthcare CXO MBA MCA Public Policy Cybersecurity Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Tech No Longer Tops Gen Z's Employer Wish List A study by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) found that many Gen Z graduates no longer see tech companies as ideal employers, as per a Fortune report. The reasons are clear: job security is now in question, as artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to replace entry- and mid-level roles, as per the report. The pace of change is relentless, as the same companies that once promised progress are now associated with sudden layoffs and uncertainty, reported TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Pics] Do This Right Away If You See This Type Of Bug Undo ALSO READ: NYC office shooting: Security guard Aland Etienne among four killed, gunman Shane Tamura's target remains unclear AI and Automation Spark Fears of Layoffs Recent, high-profile layoffs, especially at companies known for generous perks and flexible work cultures, have only deepened this concern, as per the report. For many young job seekers, the message is loud and clear: a career in Big Tech no longer guarantees long-term security, as per the TOI report. Live Events Healthcare and Human-Centered Jobs on the Rise Instead, more and more graduates are choosing paths rooted in care and human connection, according to the report. A survey by Network Trends revealed that 76% of students ranked job stability as their top priority, which was more important than salary, prestige, or even location, as reported by TOI. Many are now looking to healthcare, social services, and human-centred professions, as per the report. ALSO READ: Shiba Inu's big comeback? 3,000% jump could make it the new king of meme coins by 2026 A Generational Shift Toward Purpose and Empathy This shift is deeply personal for the young generation, events like the COVID-19 pandemic, rising awareness around mental health, and a stronger cultural focus on empathy have reshaped how young people view success, according to the TOI report. Careers in medicine, nursing, public health, and therapy are not just seen as 'safe bets,' but they are seen as meaningful, as per the report. Global Trend: Gen Z Professionals Seek Purpose-Driven Careers This change is not just happening in the United States but is being witnessed across the world, according to the report. In Spain, enrollment in healthcare and social service programs has steadily increased from 2018 to 2024, pointing to a larger global trend toward care-focused careers, as reported by TOI. Tech Industry Faces Talent Crisis as Grads Look Elsewhere For the tech industry, the implications are serious. If today's brightest minds are walking away, innovation could suffer, as per the report. It's no longer enough to offer stock options and on-campus perks, as young professionals are asking deeper questions: "What is the ethical impact of this work? Will my job still exist in five years? Am I building something that serves the public good, or just the bottom line?," as reported by TOI. Redefining Career Success in the 2020s The workplace is changing, and so is the definition of ambition. A role at Google no longer holds the same meaning it once did. In its place, a job in nursing or public health may now symbolize resilience, compassion, and relevance, according to TOI. If the early 2000s were about building the digital future, the mid-2020s may be remembered as the time when young people chose to build something more human, as per the report. FAQs Why are Gen Z graduates turning away from Big Tech? They're seeking more than just money, they want jobs that offer security, purpose, and real-world impact. Are AI and automation affecting tech job security? Yes, many grads fear that their roles will soon be replaced by machines.