A recent New York Times article discusses current work on avoiding constant distraction when using a computer.
In the era of e-mail, instant messaging, Googling, e-commerce and iTunes, potential distractions while seated at a computer are not only ever-present but very enticing... there is a universe of diversions to buy, hear, watch and forward, which makes focusing on a task all the more challenging.
Scientists are researching how to make the computer smarter about interrupting you (with email and instant messenger alerts, for example) only when absolutely necessary, based on how busy you are or deep in "the flow" of a particular task.
Let's take a minute to drop what we're doing, all hold virtual hands and hope together that they're successful. Very, very soon.