We often think of attention as something we control. However, the truth is that our minds are far more vulnerable than we realize, and even superheroes are not immune to this vulnerability.
Just ask Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland.
In 2022, Tom made headlines, not for a movie role, but for stepping away from social media. In a short, honest video, he shared that Instagram and Twitter were taking a toll on his mental health. Every time he scrolled, he felt overwhelmed, anxious, and stuck in a cycle that drained his energy and focus.
And if someone with his fame, talent, and success can struggle with staying focused, what does that say about the rest of us?
š§ Why the Mind Is So Easily Hijacked
In a world full of dings, pings, and endless scrolls, our minds are under constant attack. In the book āPeak Mind,ā this is referred to as the ākryptoniteā of our attention, the hidden weakness that leaves us vulnerable to stress, distraction, and emotional exhaustion.
Here is why it happens:
- The brain is wired for survival, not peace. It is constantly scanning for danger, approval, or comparison. Social media feeds this loop perfectly.
- We try to multitask, but our brains cannot truly focus on more than one thing at a time. Switching tasks repeatedly weakens our ability to concentrate.
- We often feel like we are doing something when, in reality, we are just reacting. Every notification or headline tricks our brain into thinking it is urgent, even when it is not.
Just like kryptonite weakens Superman, these habits slowly drain our mental energy, leaving us tired, scattered, and less present in our real lives.
š¬ Tom Holland’s Bold Move: A Lesson in Self-Awareness
Tom did not wait until things got worse. He recognized the problem, spoke openly about it, and chose to take a break.
“I get caught up, and I spiral when I read things about me online, and ultimately, it is very detrimental to my mental state.”
That kind of self-awareness is precisely what the book encourages: noticing when your attention is being hijacked, and having the courage to do something about it.
š§āāļø What Can We Do About It?
You do not have to quit social media altogether (unless you want to). But here are a few ways to protect your attention from mental kryptonite:
- Start your day without your phone. Give your brain 30 minutes of quiet before jumping into the digital noise.
- Practicing “attention training” for even 12 minutes a day of mindfulness, such as focusing on your breath, can improve focus and reduce reactivity.
- Set boundaries. Use app timers or scheduled breaks from your phone to give your mind space.
- Pay attention to what you’re paying attention to. If something drains you, itās okay to walk away from it.
š Final Thought: Even Superheroes Need to Recharge
Tom Holland reminded us of something important: You donāt have to be āstrongā all the time. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit that your mind is overwhelmed and then take steps to protect it.
Distraction is everywhere. But so is peace if we learn to reclaim our attention.
Have you noticed when your focus feels hijacked? What small change helps you reclaim your peace? Share your thoughts in the comments. Letās help each other stay grounded in a noisy world. šš§āāļø