Of censorship by distraction

In dictatorships, they say “shut up”. In democracies, they say “whatever”. It is a famous joke, to which the digital context gives a whole new perspective.

Information has no effect if there is no attention in front of it. When information is scarce and attention is abundant, it is easier to control the dissemination of information. When, instead, the information is overabundant, trying to delete it attracts attention. It is therefore far more effective to make “noise” in order to distract attention from embarrassing information.

Because it is abundant, information loses its value. By contrast, attention, which is a resource limited by our cognitive abilities, is gaining in value. Example: monetizing content becomes difficult, while monetizing attention (it is also called “audience”) becomes common.

• Attention
• Education
• Information