Date of Award
Spring 5-22-2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MA - Master of Arts
Department
Mindfulness Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Melissa Jean
Second Advisor
Dr. Nancy Waring
Abstract
This paper argues the importance of a personal mindfulness practice as an antidote to the concerning effects of the attention economy. Modern technology is becoming more powerful every day and is giving individuals access to an unprecedented amount of information at the touch of a button. Many technology companies are profiting from gaining and selling the attention of their customers and are contributing to the attention economy. These very technologies have been shown to hijack the attention of consumers and keep them in an addictive feedback loop. Early research suggests mindfulness practices may be an effective strategy for strengthening attention networks and physically changing areas of the brain responsible for attention. This paper utilized prior research to generalize the viability of a personal mindfulness practice for taking control of an individual’s attention and to subsequently negate the negative effects of the attention economy. Further research on specific mindfulness practices and their outcome on certain aspects of the attention economy are warranted.
Recommended Citation
Magee, Alison, "Mindfulness as a Personal Strategy to Combat the Negative Effects of the Attention Economy" (2021). Mindfulness Studies Theses. 45.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/mindfulness_theses/45
