Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a system for processing communications that detects just the portions of the communication requesting action, a response, or increased attention from a user, wherein said system comprises: (a) a message filter unit that analyzes the content and metadata of messages conveyed by various communication modalities and determines which portions of the messages request action, a response, or increased attention from the user; (b) a sender importance unit that determines from past communication patterns the perceived urgency that the user will afford to a new message from a particular sender; and (C) a user interface unit that alerts the user to detected items that require attention, response or action. Additionally, the disclosure describes a method for managing a list of tasks requiring attention automatically, where incoming messages are scanned and action items extracted and added to the list.