Factually! with Adam Conover
You Are Being Robbed of Your Attention with D. Graham Burnett and Peter Schmidt
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Attention has become a commodified resource, increasingly exploited by tech and media industries to maximize profit.
- The term 'human fracking' describes the manipulation of human attention by digital platforms for commercial gain.
- Reclaiming our attention is essential for personal well-being and societal health, calling for a united movement.
- Community and collective action are vital in countering the commodification of attention, fostering genuine human connections.
- Attention activism encourages recognizing and nurturing diverse forms of attention that promote holistic human experiences.
Summary
Attention as a Commodified Resource
In the episode, Adam Conover discusses the concept of attention as a precious and commodified resource that the media and tech industries exploit for profit. With the rise of digital platforms, individuals today receive a staggering number of ads daily compared to previous decades, emphasizing the increasing manipulation of human attention. The conversation delves into the role of technological advancements that have transformed media consumption, from traditional television to algorithm-driven social media, creating an environment where constant engagement is demanded.
The Concept of 'Human Fracking'
D. Graham Burnett and Peter Schmidt introduce the term 'human fracking,' comparing it to petroleum fracking. They explain how social media companies engage in high-pressure techniques to extract and monetize users' attention, akin to how fracking extracts oil. This discussion highlights the negative impact of algorithmically curated content that ultimately compromises people’s ability to focus and engage in meaningful experiences.
The Importance of Reclaiming Our Attention
The guests advocate for reclaiming human attention as a form of activism, arguing that a collective movement is necessary for taking back control. They stress that distraction can also be a form of attention — one that encourages exploring the world beyond the screen. By fostering spaces for authentic connections and meaningful interactions, individuals can rewild their attention and restore the richness of human experience.
Attention Activism and Community Building
The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of community and collective action in reclaiming attention and resisting commodification. Attention activism involves not only awareness of how attention is manipulated but also nurturing environments that prioritize genuine human connection. The guests suggest practical ways for listeners to create supportive spaces that allow for diverse forms of attention, advocating for collaborative efforts in redefining how society interacts with technology.
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Show notes
Would you rather that your attention were a resource freely directed toward your interests, or a measure of how many ads can be propelled into your eyeballs in a single session? Our attention has been commodified, and an entire industry is trying to wring out every possible instance of it. D. Graham Burnett, a professor of history at Princeton, and experiential organizer Peter Schmidt are two of the spokespeople of ATTENSITY!: A Manifesto of the Attention Liberation Movement. This week, Adam sits with Graham and Peter to talk about attention, and how to take it back. Find the Friends of Attention's book at factuallypod.com/books
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