Attention Economy

Adolescents and Literacies in a Digital World sheds light on the emergence of technology in our society. Its draw is the result of what is referred to as an “attention economy,” which is the result of the “human capacity to produce material things outside the net capacity to consume the things that are produced.” This concept obviously makes sense when placed in the context of stars and fans. The more popular a person, novel, idea becomes the more “attention” it gets – the greater the demand of the public (society) becomes.

Technology (new technology) has emerged as we see in Lanham’s example of librarians. I immediately thought of my ability to connect to my public library and search their website (formerly the card catalog) from home. The librarians are still essential in maintaining the structure of the library, but now there are easier ways to access the information we need. Although the library has always been a popular establishment, the recent integration of new technology has helped to capture perhaps a larger audience.

Lanham and Knobel discuss ways that new literacies emerge with the economy of attention, such as contact displaying, Meme-ing, culture jamming, to name a few. The interesting part of the chapter is the challenge that schools face as how to integrate the new literacies successfully. A great point is made pertaining to learning difficulties (e.g. Lack of attention) and how new media may in fact help to reduce such “behavioral problems.” The overall gist of this chapter was about capturing attention. If we are believe that formal education works for all, we are sadly mistaken. If teachers ever hope to gain the attention of their students, they need to adhere to a curriculum that encompass student’s interests. We need to forgo the days of I speak and you listen.

Chrissy Gates