The Michael Steele Podcast

How Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump Profit Off Our Attention (Quick Take)

Feb 1, 2025
In this discussion, Chris Hayes, a political analyst and author of "The Sirens' Call," reveals how tech giants like Apple and Amazon monetize our attention. He explores the shift from information to an attention economy, emphasizing branding over product quality, especially with figures like Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump at the forefront. The dialogue also critiques the political landscape, where attention-seeking tactics overshadow substantive debate, and examines the mental health implications of our quest for genuine recognition in a digital world.
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INSIGHT

Attention Economy

  • The information age is actually the attention age, since information is abundant but attention is finite.
  • Companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon profit by capturing and monetizing user attention.
INSIGHT

Tech as Attention Business

  • Tech companies are primarily attention businesses, not information businesses.
  • They build platforms designed to capture and hold user focus, which they then monetize through advertising or sales.
ANECDOTE

Trump's Brand

  • Donald Trump embodies the triumph of brand over product, similar to Amazon's success.
  • His strong brand allowed him to win elections, despite his questionable "product" or policies.
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