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NPR's Book of the Day
In a new book, Chris Hayes argues that attention is our most endangered resource
Feb 10, 2025
Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC and author of "The Siren's Call," dives deep into the attention economy and its consequences on our society. He shares his experience feeling like he's chasing audiences rather than engaging them proactively. Hayes discusses how attention has become a scarce resource that politicians and brands endlessly compete for, highlighting the impact of social media on younger generations. He also examines Trump's role as a symbol of this attention-driven landscape and questions whether MSNBC can keep its audience engaged.
07:46
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Quick takeaways
- Chris Hayes emphasizes that attention, rather than information, is now the most finite and essential resource in the digital age.
- The discussion highlights how Donald Trump's strategies exemplify the functioning of the attention economy, using both controversy and interruption to maintain public engagement.
Deep dives
The Nature of Attention as a Resource
Attention is portrayed as a finite resource in the modern age, defined by its scarcity rather than the abundant information available. Unlike traditional views centered around information, the discussion emphasizes that attention is what truly matters, as it determines who or what can engage with an audience. This concept is illustrated through the observation that businesses often prioritize branding over the quality of their products, focusing on capturing customer attention instead. The analogy of a sailor navigating the winds is used to convey how understanding and directing attention is crucial for success in various fields, particularly in media.
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