How hard it is to "change" is going to depend on a variety of factors, as I have been in this situation before, except vice versa (the girl was doing it to me)- 1. Are you giving them enough personal time? Guys need "me time" and time with their friends just as much as girls do- how he chooses to spend that, so long as he is loyal, is his prerogative.
2. Have you directly addressed the issue with him? If you haven't, he might not see it the same way you do, or even truely realize that he is engaging in such behavior. Make it known that you aren't happy about it, but do so tastefully.
3. If you've addressed the above, I'd really start to question how much he values you, or whether you truely want to be in a relationship where this is occuring; I know that when I'm in a relationship, I give the girl the majority of my attention regardless of the situation. IE- if he is doing something so important that he can't remember the gist of the last 3 sentences you spoke, it better be important- at least thats how I view it.
Now, keep in mind that adjustments take time- if this behavior has been going on for a while, it'll be a bit before he (if he does) change. Give him that time and take it from there.
Best of luck,
- Gutz