The Attention Merchants (book)

*The Attention Merchants* by Tim Wu explores how companies have historically competed to capture and sell people's attention, turning it into a valuable commodity. It traces how advertising and media industries evolved from simple ad banners to sophisticated techniques like social media algorithms, all aimed at monetizing our focus. The book examines the impact of this relentless pursuit on individual privacy, society, and democracy, highlighting how our attention has become a key resource in modern capitalism. It offers insight into the behind-the-scenes strategies used to keep us engaged and the broader implications of this ongoing attention economy.