The impact of the digital age on human behaviour and productivity with Gonçalo Gil Mata
How can we maintain focus and productivity in an increasingly innovative world? This was the central question of the latest edition of City Café, featuring Gonçalo Gil Mata, a Computer Engineering graduate and productivity specialist.
During the session “Human Behaviour in the Digital Age”, the effects of digital overload on human behaviour were discussed, with the guest speaker presenting strategies for more efficient management of attention and time.
In a progressively technological corporate environment, notifications, emails, and messages constantly compete for our attention. This relentless stream of stimuli creates a persistent sense of urgency, making it harder to concentrate and affecting the quality of work.
“The human brain was not designed to handle so many interruptions. After a distraction, it can take up to 12 seconds to regain focus—an effect that, when multiplied throughout the day, results in a significant loss of productivity and, of course, greater mental fatigue,” said Gonçalo Gil Mata.
To mitigate these effects, several measures can be implemented, such as:
- Creating uninterrupted work periods using techniques like the Pomodoro Method (blocks of 25 to 30 minutes of deep focus).
- Silencing unnecessary notifications and setting specific times to check emails and messages.
- Strategically prioritising tasks to avoid constant switching between activities and contexts.
The discussion also covered productivity, which is often associated with speed. This reactive approach can compromise work quality, as the concentration cycle becomes fragmented and tasks remain incomplete.
“Productivity is not about speed but about clarity and structure,” the speaker stated, highlighting the importance of allocating dedicated time blocks for specific activities. Furthermore, more effective communication about realistic deadlines and response times can reduce the pressure for immediate replies, allowing for more focused and higher-quality work.
During the session, data was presented showing that 57% of working time is absorbed by communication tools, leaving only 43% for actual task execution. These figures highlight the importance of organisational communication and the crucial role of leadership in the digital age. To optimise this dynamic, Gonçalo Gil Mata proposed solutions such as reducing the number of unnecessary meetings, encouraging shorter and more objective conversations, and adopting structured collaboration tools like project management platforms.
The Impact of Excessive Stimuli on Well-being
Excessive stimuli affect not only productivity but also psychological well-being. The constant sense of urgency and pressure to respond quickly can lead to increased stress levels and burnout.
“The human brain interprets frequent notifications as potential threats, triggering a continuous alert response that results in mental fatigue and difficulty concentrating,” explained the specialist. To counteract these effects and promote greater balance, several essential strategies were recommended:
- Creating digital detox moments;
- Incorporating active breaks throughout the day;
- Establishing a clear separation between work and leisure to avoid the feeling of being permanently “switched on.”
The debate on the digital world will continue in the next City Café session, which will focus on “Culture in the Digital Age”. Scheduled for 15 April, this session will feature João Vasconcelos at the Porto Innovation Hub at 1:30 pm.
City Café is an activity of the Porto Innovation Hub, coordinated by Porto Digital in collaboration with the Municipal Directorate for People Management and Organization of the Porto City Council.