Question Everything

The Fight for Your Attention with MSNBC’s Chris Hayes

8 snips
May 29, 2025
Chris Hayes, MSNBC host and author of The Siren’s Call, dives into the realm of attention capitalism and its insidious grip on politics and everyday life. He reflects on the commodification of attention, comparing modern smartphones to the printing press in their societal impact. Hayes candidly discusses the crisis of democratic discourse, alienation from information, and provides tips for reclaiming focus in our distraction-heavy world. His insights reveal a deep understanding of the ongoing battle for our attention in a media-saturated landscape.
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INSIGHT

Attention Capture Mirrors Politics

  • Attention capture now exists in both daily life and political discourse, creating a dangerous symmetry.
  • Platforms and political actors exploit involuntary attention to disrupt democratic focus and deliberation.
ADVICE

Turn Off Notifications To Stop Compulsion

  • Disable notifications to avoid engineered haptic attention grabs on devices.
  • Hayes practices a no-notification policy on his Apple Watch to prevent compelled attention.
INSIGHT

Why Smartphones Are Historically Unique

  • Smartphones are historically distinct due to ubiquity, scale, and individualized algorithms.
  • Algorithms personalize attention and exploit social attention in ways prior media never could.
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