Attention Quote by Zeynep Tufekci
“You might be tempted to think that China has a Streisand-effect problem, in which trying to censor an event creates even more publicity. But that assumes the Chinese government doesn't understand the Streisand effect, and that can't be right, because if one government understands attention dynamics online, it's China's.”
About This Quote
China’s government likely understands how censorship can amplify attention, making the Streisand effect a strategic tool.
In simple terms: China may use censorship to boost attention.
Key Takeaway
Consider how control of information can backfire.
Themes
media
politics
attention dynamics
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- online activism
- policy making
- public relations
- digital strategy
Key Concepts
censorship
information control
Questions to Reflect On
- How can activists anticipate state responses?
- What ethical lines are crossed when exploiting attention?
A Different Perspective
Assuming any government fully grasps these dynamics may overestimate rationality.
![“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)
