#3192
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 
Cal Newport when discussing the evolution of internet content and drawing parallels to historical media transitions.
Cal Newport when discussing the evolution of internet content and drawing parallels to historical media transitions.
298 snips
Ep. 230: How Well Are You Living?
Mentioned by 
David Perell while discussing the complexities of advertising and its role in democratizing information.
David Perell while discussing the complexities of advertising and its role in democratizing information.
18 snips
David Perell, Founder of Write of Passage: The Downfall of Mainstream Media
Mentioned by 
Eliza McLamb that talks about the rise of social media companies and how they traffic in our attention.
Eliza McLamb that talks about the rise of social media companies and how they traffic in our attention.
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
