Cognitive distraction occurs when a person's attention is diverted from a primary task due to competing thoughts or external stimuli. This can happen in various situations, such as when someone is trying to focus on work but is interrupted by notifications from their smartphone or by background noise. The brain struggles to process multiple sources of information, leading to decreased performance and increased errors. Common examples of cognitive distraction include multitasking, daydreaming, or engaging in conversations while trying to complete a task. These distractions can hinder productivity and make it difficult to concentrate, ultimately affecting overall cognitive function and decision-making abilities.