The Art of Manliness How to Fight Internet-Induced Numbness
Aug 4, 2021
Dr. Charles Chafin, an expert on attention and author of "Numb," dives into the paradox of constant digital stimulation leading to emotional numbness. He explains how overexposure to media can result in compassion fatigue, making us disengaged and overwhelmed. Chafin discusses the detrimental impact of social media, particularly Instagram, on our real-life experiences and relationships. He offers practical strategies to reclaim our attention and suggests focusing on meaningful engagement to combat feelings of disconnection in this digital age.
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Attention: Gateway to Consciousness
- Attention is the pathway to consciousness, filtering all experiences.
- It's a finite resource, like a spotlight focusing on one thing at a time.
Attention's Fixed Nature
- We often treat attention as infinite, but it's actually finite.
- Distracted driving exemplifies this because shifting attention has cognitive costs.
Digital Attention Economy
- Digital platforms are designed to grab attention, even more so than our wallets.
- They use operant conditioning and variable rewards, like social media likes, to keep us hooked.
