Keio University X Dignity Center

The information space today is dominated by a business model known as the “attention economy,” in which the attention and time of individuals are treated as commodities. In this model, AI is used to predict and analyze (profile) user attributes and cognitive tendencies from large amounts of personal data　 to dominate as much of their attention as possible. This information is then used to recommend the content that will most strongly stimulate the user. As a result of the use of AI-driven algorithms, people are constantly being rushed to action in an animal testing-like advertising space comprising “stimulus (recommendation) = reflex (click),” to the extent that we are being deprived of private time to spend with friends and family. With the widespread use of smartphones since 2000, some studies have revealed that the human attention span has been reduced to less than that of goldfish, an animal often cited for its lack of focus. Can such cognitively manipulative technology really be considered respectful of human “dignity”?

The attention economy has become a structural factor in the spread and amplification of slander and misinformation, as well as political and social rifts caused by echo chambers. This is because in this business model, sensational content that drives “reflexes” will yield economic benefits, and hateful slander and sensational misinformation are typical “stimuli.” Moreover, the attention economy has been criticized for using addictive UI and UX that makes people “hooked” on applications and content since it is profitable to captivate people’s attention over a longer duration. Moreover, this may have a negative impact on users’ mental health.

This subunit conducts interdisciplinary analyses of the social, political, and economic effects of attentional economy to empirically reveal the structure of the problem and its challenges. The effects on the neural systems and mental structures of individuals will be examined in collaboration with the Brain Mechanisms and Social Pathology subunits. Based on these empirical analyses and research results, we will also examine the literacy methods, institutional structures, and technical designs required to overcome the challenges of the attention economy.

KGRI’s project has already made specific recommendations twice, citing “informational health” as a new concept to address the challenges of this troubling business model. This concept is based on the concern that recommender systems (algorithms) under the attention economy are causing us to binge on information of dubious origin and that such binging weakens our immunity to false and misleading information. The project aims to increase literacy intuitively using “nutrition education” analogies to increase the market’s deterrent power against the attention economy, and has already demonstrated a certain degree of proliferation.

This subunit intends to further develop the concept of “informational health” building on our achievements thus far, as well as establishing global partnerships, and developing recommender systems and platform models based on “informational health,” to drive social implementation.