The attention economy is a business model built on capturing and monetizing human attention. Rather than selling products directly, companies offer free or low-cost services and profit by selling access to users’ focus through advertising. From newspapers and television to social media and smartphones, this model has reshaped how we consume information and relate to one another. In this article, we examine the two main types of attention economy businesses and explore their psychological and social consequences, including distraction, compulsive use, status anxiety, and the growing erosion of sustained focus in everyday life.

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