The Rise of Human Fracking: A New Form of Exploitation

The term "human fracking" describes the commodification of human attention by digital platforms, likening it to the extraction of oil through fracking. This process involves the manipulation of users through addictive content, resulting in a significant exploitation of human consciousness. The consequences of this exploitation are profound, as it threatens not only individual well-being but also the fabric of society itself. The authors argue that the relentless pursuit of attention by major tech corporations creates a landscape of psychological and social toxicity, akin to environmental degradation caused by traditional fracking.

The Guardian

In response to this new form of exploitation, a movement is emerging that seeks to reclaim human attention. The authors advocate for collective action, emphasizing the need for solidarity among diverse groups who recognize the detrimental effects of constant digital engagement. They argue that regulatory efforts are insufficient and often obstructed by powerful interests. Instead, they propose a grassroots movement focused on "attention activism," which aims to cultivate spaces that promote genuine human engagement and well-being.

The Guardian

The authors draw parallels between the current situation and historical movements, such as the environmental movement of the late 20th century. They highlight how rapid cultural shifts can lead to significant political changes, suggesting that a similar transformation is possible in the realm of human attention. The emergence of "Homo attentus," a new political subject shaped by the demands of the attention economy, signals a shift in how individuals relate to technology and each other.

The Guardian

Central to the movement against human fracking is the formation of broad coalitions that prioritize the politics of human attention. The authors emphasize the importance of diverse forms of study and the creation of sanctuary spaces that nurture meaningful interactions. They argue that true human attention encompasses love, curiosity, and care, which can serve as powerful tools against the algorithms that seek to exploit individuals.

The Guardian

The authors, part of the Friends of Attention coalition, assert that reclaiming human attention is essential for fostering a society that values human flourishing over profit. They call for a new understanding of freedom that prioritizes attentional autonomy, urging individuals to deploy their attention in ways that resist commodification.

The Guardian

While the movement advocates for collective action, some critics may view the call for a new kind of freedom movement as overly idealistic or quixotic. Skeptics might argue that the entrenched interests of tech corporations and the pervasive nature of digital engagement make significant change difficult to achieve.

The Guardian

• “We must insist that human attention is ours, and we will use it to make the worlds we want to live in So what is to be done about this new kind of human exploitation that is harming us – harming children and adults, compromising our deliberative politics and our psychological wellbeing?” — Alyssa Loh, Filmmaker

The Guardian

• “But new forms of exploitation can even give rise to genuinely new forms of politics.” — Peter Schmidt, Writer and Organiser

The Guardian

In conclusion, the movement against human fracking represents a critical response to the commodification of attention, advocating for a collective effort to reclaim human agency in an increasingly digital world.

The Guardian