The Attention Economy
The Attention Economy
One of the most eye opening statements I(Buck) have ever heard as a parent and a technology professional is that "If the product is free then we are the product." Basically that is saying that while we often think that our data is being sold or people are making money off us paying for things, they are really making money by keeping us looking at our screen and particularly their platform. So their goal is not necessarily to connect us or entertain us but in fact just to keep us looking. Without getting to in the weeds, most of the apps, games, and services we use have powerful algorithms attacking our brains and pulling emotional levers to know how to adjust our mood as well as what to feed us at the right time to keep us on their platform. What does this mean?
To me it means we have to re-evaluate as parents, kids, professionals, and famillies, every part of technology in our lives. For example, I have often heard and used to think "Video games were a big part of my growing up and it's just part of being a kid." This isn't necessarily an incorrect statement. But we have to realize when we were kids the goal of the game company was to get you to buy the game, like the game, tell others about the game, and likely buy the sequel. Now, the games want you online, spending as much time as possible, clicking ads, or buying add-ons of all sorts. So the games are designed differently and therefore attack our brains differently.
As I often say I won't tell you how to parent or how to live, But I do want you to at least inform you that technology is changing and that I do believe we have to re-think all parts of technology, not just social media, because all tech has learned how to engage us, addict us, and have changed their earnings models in order to take full advantage of this new powerful data and tools in order to keep our attention, regardless of the consequences.
Can you tell how your technology effects you? Explain.
How do you feel when you are not using technology?
Is there ever a time where you felt someone was half paying attention to you because they were also focused on their technology? How did that make you feel?
What are some new boundaries you think we may need to set as a family and how can we help her?
Have a tech free dinner. If you already do that start a regular tech free family game night.