Slate News What Next TBD | Can You Pay Attention, Please?
Feb 16, 2025
Chris Hayes, MSNBC news anchor and author of "The Siren's Call," dives into the complexities of modern attention in a world rife with distractions. He discusses the superficial nature of social media interactions and their impact on meaningful engagement. Hayes explores how technology influences our social dynamics and highlights the human thirst for recognition amidst the chaos. He emphasizes the need for deep focus and critical reflection to navigate the challenges posed by our attention-driven culture.
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Types of Attention
- Chris Hayes explains different types of attention, including voluntary, involuntary, and social attention.
- Social attention, crucial for human connection, is heightened online but doesn't satisfy the need for true recognition.
Social Attention Online vs. Reality
- Chris Hayes emphasizes that online social attention, like mentions, differs from real-life interactions.
- Unilateral attention from strangers online feels like recognition but doesn't fulfill the human need for genuine connection.
Attention and the Internet
- A UVA experiment showed people dislike being alone with their thoughts, with many choosing to self-administer shocks to interrupt it.
- Hayes connects this to the internet's tendency to select for those who crave constant external stimulation.
