In a recent LinkedIn post, Shulin Lee challenges the common tendency to blame technology for issues like declining attention spans and a lack of presence, arguing that the responsibility lies with individual choices.
Shulin Lee Rejects Technology as the Primary Culprit
Lee begins by highlighting a prevalent sentiment: the inclination to point fingers at technology for societal ills. Phrases like “The algorithm is addictive” or “These devices are ruining attention” are common refrains. However, Lee introduces a pivotal moment from a conversation with Nir Eyal on The Real Reason podcast that shifted this perspective.
“That’s not the technology’s fault.”
This blunt statement, according to Lee, serves as a wake-up call. Lee illustrates this point with a relatable observation from everyday life in Singapore, describing restaurants where parents are engrossed in their phones and children are occupied with iPads, leading to a distinct lack of interpersonal connection.
Modeling Presence in the Digital Age
The core of Lee’s message revolves around the concept of modeling behavior, particularly for children. Lee reflects on personal experiences, admitting to the common struggle of being distracted by screens while a child is attempting to engage.
“Scrolling while my child is talking. Half-listening. Telling myself, ‘Just one more thing.’”
This self-awareness leads Lee to a critical conclusion: by prioritizing screens, individuals inadvertently teach younger generations that digital devices are more important than human interaction. Lee directly confronts this issue, stating, “And without meaning to, I’m teaching him that screens deserve more attention than people.”
The Choice Between Presence and Distraction
Lee’s argument posits that technology itself is not actively stealing attention; rather, individuals are voluntarily relinquishing it. The post emphasizes the importance of demonstrating focus and presence as a prerequisite for expecting children to develop these same qualities.
“We love to blame technology.”
Lee poses a direct question to the reader, prompting introspection about their own habits:
“When was the last time you chose presence over your phone?”
The post concludes by encouraging readers to share the message and follow The Real Reason podcast for similar insights, underscoring Lee’s belief that reclaiming attention requires conscious, personal effort rather than external technological fixes.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Shulin Lee on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 12, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →