Topic 10: The Attention Economy

Attention Economy

An economic system where companies compete to capture and monetize human attention because attention is limited and profitable

Attention as a Commodity

Tech platforms treat user attention as something that can be bought sold or traded to advertisers for money

Business Model of Platforms

Companies make profit by keeping users engaged for as long as possible so they can show more ads and collect more data

Persuasive Design

Techniques used by platforms to deliberately manipulate user behavior and keep attention focused such as endless scroll notifications and autoplay

Algorithmic Targeting

Algorithms analyze your behavior to predict what will keep you engaged and show you content designed to maximize your attention

Surveillance Capitalism

The process of collecting personal data to predict and shape user behavior for profit in the attention economy

Addictive Design

Platform features designed to encourage habit forming behaviors to increase the amount of time users spend on the site

Moral Problem of Manipulation

Platforms do not just offer content they actively shape what you look at in ways you do not fully control or consent to

Autonomy Threat

The attention economy weakens autonomy because it interferes with your ability to choose freely what you focus on

Exploitation Concern

Platforms profit from users by extracting attention and data often without users understanding the full cost

Information Asymmetry

Companies know far more about users than users know about the algorithms creating an unequal power relationship

Echo Chambers

Algorithmic patterns that show users mostly content they already agree with increasing polarization and decreasing exposure to opposing views

Filter Bubbles

Personalized feeds that limit the range of information a user sees potentially distorting their understanding of reality

Attention Fragmentation

Constant notifications and algorithmic stimulation break up deep focus and weaken long form thinking

Collective Attention Distortion

Society gives disproportionate attention to sensational issues while serious issues receive too little visibility

Moral Question of Fairness

The attention economy might unfairly amplify some voices while silencing or burying others

Public Sphere Harm

The attention economy affects democracy by influencing what information becomes visible and what is ignored in public discussion

Exam Requirement How Attention Is Bought and Sold

Must explain ad revenue algorithms data collection and persuasive design as the mechanisms of monetization

Exam Requirement Ethical Problems With the Attention Economy

Must discuss manipulation loss of autonomy misinformation unequal visibility and exploitation

Exam Requirement Collective Attention Questions

Must explain why society can fail to pay attention to morally important issues and how platforms shape that failure