Distraction

Distraction is the diverting of the attention of an individual or group from the chosen object of attention onto the source of distraction. Distraction is caused by one of the following: lack of ability to pay attention; lack of interest in the object of attention; greater interest in something other than the object of attention; or the great intensity, novelness or attractiveness of the source of distraction. Distractions come from both external sources (physical stimulus through the five senses) or internal sources (thought, emotion, daydreams, sex drive, etc.) Divided attention is also defined as distraction in situations requiring full attention on a single object (sports, academic tests, performance, etc.) A handful of interruptions may or may not be considered distractions, because their value or importance is greater than the object of attention; such as a welcomed phone call, creative inspiration, or a medical emergency. Distraction is a major cause of procrastination.

Physical distraction may occur or be applied through various forces like gravity or magnetism. For example, electromagnetic energy from a cathode ray tube (which composes a television screen) can cause distraction.

Distraction in wildlife, warfare, and crime

 * Fake targets
 * streakers
 * In open field with mass military strategy, sometimes a contingent of troops is used to distract the enemy army so their flank is exposed, or to draw them away from a key point or fortification, such as a city.
 * Pickpockets and other thieves, especially those working in teams, sometimes apply distraction, such as asking a question, bumping into the victim, or deliberately dirtying the victim's clothing and then "helping" him/her to clean it.

Death by Distraction

 * A car accident is often caused by a distracted driver whose attention is diverted from the road.

Distraction research

 * Research was conducted regarding specific areas of advertisements which tested subjects viewed, and how much time those subjects spend looking at said areas.
 * Dr. Roy Baumeister, a sociologist, once tested subjects' willpower against various distractions and temptations.