Ethics of the Attention Economy: The Problem of Social Media Addiction (Essay Sample)

Social Media Addiction Ethics
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Social Media Addiction Ethics
Introduction
The article "Ethics of the Attention Economy: The Problem of Social Media Addiction" written by Vikram R. Bhargava and Manuel Velasquez explores the complex connection between the attention economy and the growing issue of social media addiction. The authors conduct a thorough analysis of the ethical consequences that arise from the attention economy, an industry that seeks to capture and monetize users' attention through various online platforms. The primary argument of the article posits that the attention economy poses a significant ethical dilemma due to its contribution to the development and perpetuation of addictive behaviors associated with social media. Bhargava and Velasquez assert that the attention economy exploits users' psychological vulnerabilities by utilizing persuasive techniques, such as targeted notifications and infinite scrolling, which encourage users to remain engaged for prolonged periods of time. This exploitation gives rise to moral concerns as it compromises individuals' autonomy and well-being in favor of corporate profits. Consequently, the authors advocate for a critical examination of the ethical implications surrounding the attention economy and propose potential solutions to address the issue of social media addiction.
Main thesis
The central idea presented by Bhargava and Velasquez in their work titled "Ethics of the Attention Economy: The Problem of Social Media Addiction" centers