Attention Economy

Business model shapes outcomes. In a subscription based model, you build tools people use and pay for. In an ad-based model, you build engagement hacks. As Tristan Harris put it: “we've moved away from having a tools-based technology environment to an addiction and manipulation based technology environment. That's what's changed.”

Can digital devices promote human-to-human interaction? Technology companies are increasingly using ambient computing to create more thoughtful products that demand less of our attention in a post-notification world.👉

Gaining a following on social media is a measure of people’s attention. It is not a measure of benefit to others, nor knowledge, nor sincerity, nor wisdom, nor leadership capability - yet these are some of things that are needed to minimize the harm from having a following.