#1990

Mentioned in 22 episodes

The Attention Merchants

The Epic Scramble to Get Inside Our Heads

Book • 2016

In 'The Attention Merchants', Tim Wu explores the history and impact of the industries that feed on human attention.

Starting from the 19th century with Benjamin Day's penny newspapers, Wu traces the evolution of advertising through various media, including radio, television, and the internet.

He argues that the basic business model of 'attention merchants' has remained constant: offering free diversion in exchange for moments of attention, which are then sold to advertisers.

The book also examines the societal and psychological effects of this attention economy and the various revolts against it.

Mentioned by

Ernst-Jan Pfauth

Marina Weisband

Jared Henderson

Michael Batnick

Mentioned in 22 episodes

Mentioned by

Cal Newport

when discussing the Penny Press and the advent of advertising-supported media.

Ep 386: Was 2025 a Great or Terrible Year for AI? (w/ Ed Zitron)

Mentioned by

Rolf Potts

in relation to the attention economy.

#624: Rolf Potts — The Vagabond’s Way, Tactics for Immersive Travel, Pilgrimages and Psychogeography, Empathy Machines, Full-Throated Love, The Slow Sense of Smell, Lessons from Thích Nhất Hạnh, Falling Upward, and More

Mentioned by

Cal Newport

when discussing the evolution of internet content and drawing parallels to historical media transitions.

Ep. 230: How Well Are You Living?

Recommended by

Jared Henderson

as a valuable read for understanding the dynamics of attention in media.

Is this the Disenlightenment?

Mentioned by

Ernst-Jan Pfauth

as a book where Barry Diller's name often appeared.

Vergaderen in 2025 | POM S11E19

Mentioned by

Mia Sorrenti

as one of

Tim Wu

's influential books exploring the balance between innovation, corporate concentration, and the public good.

How Tech Platforms Threaten Our Future, With Former White House Advisor Tim Wu (Part One)

Mentioned by

Kate Klonick

as one of

Tim Wu

's books and as part of a trilogy.

Lawfare Daily: Tim Wu on ‘The Age of Extraction’

Mentioned by

Eliza McLamb

that talks about the rise of social media companies and how they traffic in our attention.

The Economy of Outrage

Erwähnt von

Marina Weisband

als Buch von Tim Wu, der den Begriff Netzneutralität geprägt hat, und in dem er die Geschichte der Aufmerksamkeitshändler beschreibt.

Medien rauben uns Lebenszeit. Wie wir uns wehren können

Mentioned by

Michael Batnick

when discussing the impact of social media on information consumption.

Everybody in the Pool (EP.387)

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