Attention is all you have(alicegg.tech)
1065 points by zer0tonin 22 days ago | 324 comments
tl;dr: The "Tetris effect" shows that whatever we focus on shapes our thinking—which is a problem when algorithms on YouTube, Spotify, LinkedIn, and Reddit dictate our attention for engagement and ad revenue. The author argues the older "intentional internet" of bookmarks, blogs, and RSS feeds still exists, but reclaiming it requires adjusting to a slower pace where content isn't infinite or auto-served.
HN Discussion:
  • ↑Cutting out social media and algorithmic feeds has improved focus and life quality
  • ↑Personal struggles with doomscrolling validate the article's concerns about attention
  • ↑Nostalgia for the early internet when connection was intentional and bookmarks ruled
  • ↓The article romanticizes the past; portal homepages were also clickbaity and ad-driven
  • ~Self-hosting and mindful use of algorithms is fine; passive consumption isn't inherently bad