Attention Quote by Ash Sarkar
““Attention, as well as being a commodity that can be monetised through digital platforms, is a psychological wage. We know this from when we are children: think of the heaven of basking in the glow of an attentive parent or teacher. To be recognised is to be told that you matter, that your life has worth and that you have a place in the world. There’s nothing unhealthy about that. But our media and politics leverage the psychological wages of attention in a way that is utterly corrosive and warping.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Attention Economy, 2023
Attention is a psychological wage, but media exploit it, causing harm.
In simple terms: Attention is valuable but can be abused.
Key Takeaway
Guard your attention and demand ethical media.
Themes
media
attention
psychology
ethics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
media analysis
When to use this quote
- social media use
- political messaging
- education
- parenting
Key Concepts
attention economy
psychological wage
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect your attention?
- What responsibilities do platforms have?
A Different Perspective
Attention can be manipulated, eroding well‑being.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
