"Navigating the Attention Economy: The Power of Critical Ignoring"

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Hatched by Glasp

Sep 11, 2023

3 min read

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"Navigating the Attention Economy: The Power of Critical Ignoring"

Introduction:

In today's digital age, where information overload and disinformation run rampant, maintaining control over our attention has become increasingly challenging. The platforms that control search and social media were designed to auction off our attention, leaving us vulnerable to the excesses and traps of the attention economy. While critical thinking is valuable, it alone is not enough to combat information overload. We must also develop the skill of "critical ignoring" to reclaim our autonomy and shield ourselves from the onslaught of information. This article explores the concept of critical ignoring, its importance in the face of information overabundance, and offers actionable strategies to practice it effectively.

The Need for Critical Ignoring:

With the digital world containing more information than all the world's libraries combined, it is crucial to discern reliable sources from unvetted ones. The lack of trustworthiness indicators makes it even more challenging. Investing critical thinking in sources that should have been ignored inadvertently grants attention merchants and malicious actors exactly what they desire – our attention. Therefore, critical ignoring is not simply about not paying attention; it is about adopting mindful and healthy habits to navigate the overwhelming amount of information available.

Strategies for Critical Ignoring:

  • 1. Self-Nudging: In the digital world, self-nudging empowers individuals to become "choice architects" of their informational environments. By designing their digital spaces in ways that suit their preferences and limit distractions, individuals can regain control over their attention. This strategy involves using tools like ad-blockers, privacy settings, and curated content to filter out unwanted noise and focus on what is truly valuable.
  • 2. Lateral Reading: Professional fact checkers have mastered the art of lateral reading, a technique that helps establish the credibility of online information. Instead of getting entangled in the superficial aspects of a source, fact checkers prioritize evaluating the credibility of the information. By reading broadly and quickly scanning multiple sources, individuals can avoid falling into the trap of biased or unreliable information. Teaching this skill in schools can equip future generations with the ability to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
  • 3. The Do-Not-Feed-the-Trolls Heuristic: Online trolls and malicious users thrive on attention and engagement. By recognizing their tactics and refusing to engage with them, individuals can starve them of the attention they crave. This strategy requires developing new competencies, such as emotional resilience and the ability to differentiate between constructive criticism and malicious intent. Incorporating education on handling online harassment and cyberbullying in schools can empower individuals to protect themselves and others from the harmful effects of trolls.

Conclusion:

In a world where information overload is the new normal, mastering the art of critical ignoring is essential. While critical thinking helps us analyze information, critical ignoring enables us to choose what to ignore and where to invest our limited attentional capacities. By implementing strategies like self-nudging, lateral reading, and the do-not-feed-the-trolls heuristic, individuals can reclaim their autonomy and cultivate healthy habits in the face of information overabundance. As William James wisely stated, "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to ignore."

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Audit your digital environment: Take control of your digital space by using tools like ad-blockers and privacy settings to filter out distractions and unwanted information.
  • 2. Practice lateral reading: When evaluating online information, adopt the habit of reading broadly and scanning multiple sources to establish credibility and avoid biased or unreliable information.
  • 3. Refuse to engage with trolls: Recognize the tactics of online trolls and malicious users, and refrain from feeding them attention and engagement. Develop emotional resilience and differentiate between constructive criticism and malicious intent.

By incorporating these strategies and embracing the power of critical ignoring, individuals can navigate the attention economy more effectively and safeguard their cognitive well-being in an era of information overload.

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