Are you paying attention? Researchers determine exactly how many minutes someone can concentrate before their thoughts wander…

It can often seem impossible not to be easily distracted by the ping of a smartphone or an overflowing inbox.

But adults’ attention spans have actually gotten worse, according to a survey of 2,000 people in Britain.

It turned out that the typical Brit can only concentrate on a task for an average of 17 minutes and 10 seconds.

Gen Z fared much worse, with nearly half of 18-24 year olds admitting to being distracted within 60 seconds.

This compares to just 7 percent of over-65s reporting this level of mental wandering.

Brits can concentrate on a task for only 17 minutes and 10 seconds on average. Experts, who surveyed more than 2,000 adults, also found that the ability to listen to partners often takes just over 19 minutes

Fatigue, stress and distraction from mobile phones are among the top reasons why adults admit to losing concentration, according to the study, commissioned by Nest.

Modern life, with constant pings and buzzes from a multitude of devices, could be making Britain’s attention span even worse.

More than a third (36 percent) of respondents say their attention span has worsened in recent years.

The poll, carried out by pension company Nest, also found that the average Brit’s ability to listen to their partner often only lasts around 19 minutes.

Fatigue, stress and distraction from mobile phones are among the top reasons why adults admit to losing concentration, the study, commissioned by Nest, found.

Gavin Perera-Betts, Chief Customer Officer at Nest, said: ‘Constant notifications, social media and instant access to information can affect our ability to concentrate for extended periods.

‘It’s not just the technology, stress and fatigue also play an important role. When we are tired or stressed, we have difficulty maintaining concentration.

‘When we are tired or stressed, we have difficulty maintaining concentration, making it even more difficult to stay focused on a single task.

The poll also found that sorting out finances can only keep us busy for an average of 19 minutes and 49 seconds, and that tasks at work only take slightly longer (20 minutes and 40 seconds).

Only a fifth (22 percent) said the situation had improved.

In 2015, Microsoft announced that the average human attention span is just eight seconds – shorter than even the attention span of a goldfish.

But the figure has since been debunked due to the lack of a ‘credible source’.

Of those surveyed, 39 percent admitted that they feel compelled to check their phone when they lose interest in something.

While 45 percent jump between tasks, and 42 percent allow themselves to daydream.