Humorous:
* A hummingbird on a sugar rush: This metaphor suggests a flitting, restless energy that can't settle on one thing for long.
* A goldfish with a chronic case of "shiny object syndrome": This metaphor plays on the stereotype of goldfish having short memories and being easily distracted.
* A squirrel trying to chase all the acorns at once: This metaphor highlights the inability to focus on a single task.
Serious:
* A kaleidoscope of thoughts swirling in a whirlwind: This metaphor evokes a chaotic and overwhelming experience.
* A flickering candle flame in a draft: This metaphor suggests fragility and instability, highlighting how easily attention can be blown away.
* A river rushing towards the sea, never lingering in one place: This metaphor emphasizes the constant movement and lack of stillness associated with a short attention span.
Figurative:
* A mind like a sieve, letting information slip through the cracks: This metaphor highlights the difficulty in retaining information.
* A radar dish constantly scanning the horizon for new signals: This metaphor suggests a constant search for novelty and a lack of depth in engagement.
* A spiderweb spun by a distracted weaver, full of holes and inconsistencies: This metaphor highlights the incomplete and fragmented nature of attention.
The best metaphor will depend on the specific context and the desired effect.