The Attention Economy: How Tech Giants Monetize Your Focus

Your attention is the most valuable commodity in the digital age. Tech companies have built trillion-dollar empires by capturing, measuring, and selling it. But at what cost to society?

This investigation reveals the sophisticated psychological techniques employed by social media platforms, streaming services, and mobile apps to maximize engagement. From infinite scroll to push notifications timed for maximum impact, every feature is designed to keep you hooked.

The consequences extend beyond individual productivity. Studies show links between heavy social media use and rising rates of anxiety, depression, and political polarization. The very fabric of democratic discourse is being reshaped by algorithms optimized for engagement rather than truth.

Regulators are beginning to take notice. The EU's Digital Services Act and proposed legislation in the US aim to curb the most manipulative practices. But can regulation keep pace with innovation in an industry where the incentives remain fundamentally misaligned with user wellbeing?