On 25 October 2023, the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society hosted the Digital Salon on the topic of "Attention Economy". Sven Ohl, researcher for Active Perception and Cognition at the Institute of Psychology at the Humboldt University of Berlin, discussed the mechanisms and incentive systems of today's digital world with Dr Otmar Lell, project manager at ConPolicy and expert in consumer policy and consumer law.
In the panel discussion, it became clear how complex, situation-dependent and easily influenced human attention is from the perspective of psychological research, and how digital platforms take advantage of this by designing digital environments in line with their business models. According to Otmar Lell, the digital world is like a supermarket in which consumption is the central motif. This supermarket is designed in such a way that users are constantly observed and all their actions are recorded, analysed and passed on. At the same time, everyone sees a different supermarket that is designed according to their own personal preferences and interests. Advertising and consumption are at stake even when we do not actually intend to consume – namely when we search for information, want to exchange ideas with friends, watch videos or play games. In all of these activities, we are encouraged to stay on for as long as possible so that we disclose more data and consume more advertising. The consumer-centric incentive structure of today's digital world is closely linked to the business models of personalised advertising.
The panel discussion also highlighted approaches and efforts to put people at the centre of the architecture of the digital world.
The recording of the panel discussion is available here.