Joe, this is a totally fascinating topic, especially if we follow the Marxist thread on the commodization of attention - something packaged, bought and sold; something which admits of exchange value measured in clicks, dollars and more. It is both extremely abstract and yet profoundly personal, even invasive of our cherished, dearly held privacy.
This economic analysis of our digital age is both real and disturbing. There is an entire literature on how our phones hijack our brains with dopamine hits from our interactions with them and its digital media. Not for nothing, Substack and podcasts, too. The digital revolution has enslaved its participants; me too!
This brings up issues of personal/public boundaries and the need to get a handle on how we are unwittingly enslaved by the tools of the Information Age.
Our President is brilliant at capturing large swaths of attention every waking moment. Information is less about truth than capturing our attention and subscriptions to information outlets and endless doses of dopamine! Our attention is bought and sold with such rapidity we are largely unaware of our participation. It’s just something we “do.”
For myself, I treasure the sound of silence away from phones, TVs and radios. Quiet walks, time well spent on a cushion or mat, digging the stillness and spaciousness that arises from the sound of silence. Museums, novels and nature haven’t gone away - as of yet. There are places to go and things to do apart the hyperactivity of digital engagement. Our attention may become a commodity but it doesn’t have to be for sale unless we allow it. Our attention is still under our management. At least for now.
Thanks for bringing Chris Hayes to us. You have given me pause even as I type out these words with my thumbs! 👍
Beautifully said, Joe. I think we would be better off if people discovered the quieter opportunities that are still present if we choose to turn to them. I think we need movements that encourage people to disengage from their devices. Chris Hayes recounts ow "like an old man" he takes daily constitutionals and leaves his phone at home. He states that it a time when he does his most creative thinking. Hey! I am thrilled that you have gotten down to writing. I much look forward to your sharing your thoughts.
Joe, this is a totally fascinating topic, especially if we follow the Marxist thread on the commodization of attention - something packaged, bought and sold; something which admits of exchange value measured in clicks, dollars and more. It is both extremely abstract and yet profoundly personal, even invasive of our cherished, dearly held privacy.
This economic analysis of our digital age is both real and disturbing. There is an entire literature on how our phones hijack our brains with dopamine hits from our interactions with them and its digital media. Not for nothing, Substack and podcasts, too. The digital revolution has enslaved its participants; me too!
This brings up issues of personal/public boundaries and the need to get a handle on how we are unwittingly enslaved by the tools of the Information Age.
Our President is brilliant at capturing large swaths of attention every waking moment. Information is less about truth than capturing our attention and subscriptions to information outlets and endless doses of dopamine! Our attention is bought and sold with such rapidity we are largely unaware of our participation. It’s just something we “do.”
For myself, I treasure the sound of silence away from phones, TVs and radios. Quiet walks, time well spent on a cushion or mat, digging the stillness and spaciousness that arises from the sound of silence. Museums, novels and nature haven’t gone away - as of yet. There are places to go and things to do apart the hyperactivity of digital engagement. Our attention may become a commodity but it doesn’t have to be for sale unless we allow it. Our attention is still under our management. At least for now.
Thanks for bringing Chris Hayes to us. You have given me pause even as I type out these words with my thumbs! 👍
Beautifully said, Joe. I think we would be better off if people discovered the quieter opportunities that are still present if we choose to turn to them. I think we need movements that encourage people to disengage from their devices. Chris Hayes recounts ow "like an old man" he takes daily constitutionals and leaves his phone at home. He states that it a time when he does his most creative thinking. Hey! I am thrilled that you have gotten down to writing. I much look forward to your sharing your thoughts.
Very interesting and persuasive article on our attention