Moo Deng ’25
Karen Shi/Her ’25
Thanks to short-form content, decreasing attention spans have begun to plague our generation in the past few years. People who were once avid readers find themselves unable to pick up a book; homework is difficult to do without stopping to scroll through TikTok or Reels at least once; and flex classes become increasingly challenging to sit through.
In a move to combat these issues and encourage classroom engagement, the Episcopal Academy has decided it will try a new method of retaining attention: playing innocuous videos such as those of Subway Surfers or Minecraft alongside lessons, chapel speeches, and more, typically through a split-screen or picture-in-picture display. “We’re trying to adapt to the problems that students are currently facing,” Michael Letts, Head of Upper School, explains.
“Research has suggested that students truly can stay more focused in class when we use this method.”
Letts’ reference is corroborated by scientists from an institute known as Brain Research on Attention, Immersion, and Neurocognitive Response of Teaching (BRAIN ROT). According to their research, playing nonsensical videos with other content offers just enough stimulation to the brain to stave off boredom and allow for active listening. According to Dr. Very True, a head scientist leading the research, different types of videos were experimented with. “We tried things like muted Family Guy or South Park episodes, but people got way too into that. Repetitive content remains the best option.”
Photo courtesy of episcopalacademy.org
Avery Lee ’25 testifies to the efficacy of the split-screen videos, describing his own experiences with using them to focus. “I was doing math homework at, like, eleven p.m., and I would spend five minutes on a question, get totally sidetracked, and start scrolling on Reels. It was bad. I just couldn’t focus.” While he was distracted, Lee came across a text-to-speech post that had Subway Surfers playing in the background. He notes, “I usually scroll past these, but I actually watched the entire video. I put on some Minecraft parkour on my computer and actually finished my math homework without stopping. It’s not like I was watching it, but having it there in my peripheral vision somehow worked wonders.”
Furthermore, Episcopal has even spearheaded a new initiative to train teachers to carry the same tone and diction style as the TikTok AI voiceovers. “It’s like, suddenly, the classes are really interesting and I’ve learned a lot,” Lee comments. “I will say though, I wish they’d add slime videos on the top half of the screen. I think Subway Surfers is getting a little repetitive, like, when I close my eyes, I can still see it burnt into my retinas.” Lee shares a great point–this is only the start! [One teacher] comments, “I even have AI write the lesson plans. You know, for realism and stuff.”
In fact, at the end of the initial trial period, students began experiencing violent withdrawal symptoms. Indeed, we reporters have resorted to playing it live during interviews, increasing efficiency and effectiveness tenfold.
Thanks to the overwhelmingly positive feedback, Episcopal is now considering moving all examinations online in a split-screen format. Furthermore, students have launched their own petitions to the College Board, campaigning for standardized testing to adopt the same methods. “I think we’re really onto something here,” commented Letts. “The students’ ambition is truly admirable.”