

#2648
Mentioned in 10 episodes
The Attention Merchants
The Epic Scramble to Get Inside Our Heads
Book • 2016
In 'The Attention Merchants', Tim Wu explores the history and impact of the industries that feed on human attention.
Starting from the 19th century with Benjamin Day's penny newspapers, Wu traces the evolution of advertising through various media, including radio, television, and the internet.
He argues that the basic business model of 'attention merchants' has remained constant: offering free diversion in exchange for moments of attention, which are then sold to advertisers.
The book also examines the societal and psychological effects of this attention economy and the various revolts against it.
Starting from the 19th century with Benjamin Day's penny newspapers, Wu traces the evolution of advertising through various media, including radio, television, and the internet.
He argues that the basic business model of 'attention merchants' has remained constant: offering free diversion in exchange for moments of attention, which are then sold to advertisers.
The book also examines the societal and psychological effects of this attention economy and the various revolts against it.
Mentioned by





















Mentioned in 10 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to the attention economy.

Rolf Potts

361 snips
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Mentioned by 

when discussing the evolution of internet content and drawing parallels to historical media transitions.


Cal Newport

298 snips
Ep. 230: How Well Are You Living?
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing the impact of social media on information consumption.

Michael Batnick

25 snips
Everybody in the Pool (EP.387)
Mentioned by 

while discussing the complexities of advertising and its role in democratizing information.


David Perell

18 snips
David Perell, Founder of Write of Passage: The Downfall of Mainstream Media
Mentioned by 

that talks about the rise of social media companies and how they traffic in our attention.


Eliza McLamb

The Economy of Outrage
Mentioned by the speaker in the introduction as exploring the business models of firms that mass capture attention for resale to advertisers.

Tim Wu and Madeleine Brand | The Attention Merchants: The Epic Scramble to Get Inside Our Heads
Authored by 

, discussing the history and impact of attention harvesting.


Tim Wu

CM 065: Tim Wu on Reclaiming Our Attention
Recommended by 

as a fascinating read on advertising and media.


Sridhar Ramaswamy

Sridhar Ramaswamy on Google, Search, and Neeva
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book discussing attention as the currency of our age.

Ivan Mesa

Are We Scrolling Ourselves to Death? (Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of 

's books.

Andrew Keen


Tim Wu

Episode 2244: Tim Wu on how to decentralize capitalism
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing the importance of attention in the modern world.

John Tyson

The Delusion Of Distraction
Mentioned by 

while discussing the influence of marketers on consumers.


Brian McCullough

The State of Amazon With Jason Del Rey
Mentioned by 

when discussing 

's prior work.


Naima Reza


Tim Wu

Biden’s Antitrust Advisor Left the White House. Here’s His Exit Interview
Mentioned by 

in relation to the concept of attention.


Chris Hayes

Why Chris Hayes thinks we're all famous now