The Attention Crisis: Deconstructing Digital Addiction and Architecting a Humane Technological Future
Abstract The digital revolution has reshaped society, yet its promise of enhanced productivity and connection is increasingly overshadowed by a public health crisis of digital addiction. This paper examines the architecture of the "attention economy," a business model predicated on maximizing user engagement for profit, which has led to the widespread use of psychologically manipulative design in technology. We analyze the profound consequences of this model, including a documented decline in mental and physical health, impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development in children, and the erosion of critical thinking through cognitive offloading. Supported by current data and global statistics, this paper provides a multi-stakeholder analysis, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the tech industry, venture capital, governments, educators, and parents in both perpetuating and potentially solving this crisis. We present a roadmap for a more humane technological futur...