The Attention Economy and the Case for Spending Less Time Online

The Attention Economy and the Case for Spending Less Time Online

The “attention economy” refers to the way tech companies monetise users’ focus using algorithms to keep people engaged for as long as possible.

As Nobel Prize-winning economist Herbert A. Simon warned, “A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.”

Social media, news feeds, and video platforms are designed to be addictive, exploiting psychological triggers like intermittent rewards and social validation. Research shows this constant digital engagement has serious consequences.

A 2019 study in Nature Communications found that excessive social media use shortens attention spans and impairs cognitive function. Neuroscientist, Adam Gazzaley, and psychologist, Larry Rosen, in The Distracted Mind, argue that constant digital interruptions reduce productivity, increase stress, and hinder deep thinking. Furthermore, Jean Twenge’s research in iGen links heavy screen use to rising anxiety and depression, particularly among young people.

Reducing screen time allows for better mental well-being, improved focus, and stronger real-world relationships. By setting boundaries—such as scheduled offline hours and limiting notifications—individuals can reclaim their time and attention. In an era where distraction is currency, learning to disengage is an act of resistance.