Let's Make This More Interesting Does our attention define us? (with Faris Yakob)
Mar 18, 2025
Faris Yakob, author of 'Paid Attention' and co-founder of Genius Steals, shares his insights on how our attention shapes our identities. He explores the quest for meaningful experiences during his nomadic life and discusses the challenges of capturing genuine attention in a saturated media landscape. Faris contrasts urban versus rural lifestyles and highlights the power of everyday moments over constant novelty. He also warns of the psychological impacts of media consumption while sharing strategies for fostering deeper connections through diverse content.
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Diplomat's Kid
- Faris Yakob's childhood as a diplomat's kid, living in various countries, shaped his nomadic lifestyle.
- This upbringing gave him a unique perspective and fueled his "quest for interesting."
Hedonic Treadmill
- Faris realized that constantly chasing novelty can become a hedonic treadmill.
- The pandemic and his illness shifted his focus towards finding interestingness in the mundane.
Buying Attention
- It's impossible to buy attention today; you must earn it.
- The sheer volume of media and finite human attention make buying "impressions" ineffective.
