Radical Attention

by Julia Bell

An essay on the battle for our attention in the age of distraction.

Attention pays. In today‘s online economy it has become a commodity to be bought and sold. Bombarding us with free smartphone apps and news websites, developers and advertisers have turned what and how focus our attention into the world‘s fastest growing industry.

In exchange for our attention, information and entertainment is ever at our fingertips. But at what cost? In this essay, at once personal and polemical, meditative and militant, Julia Bell asks what has been lost in this trade off. How can we reclaim our attention? In a world of infinite distraction, how can attention become radical?

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Philosophy, Psychology, Technology

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2020

About the author

Librarian note: there are multiple authors with this name on Goodreads.

I was born in Bristol but raised in Wales (I can speak Welsh!) and have published two novels for young adults - Massive and Dirty Work, both published by Macmillan in the UK. In the US Massive is published by Simon and Schuster and Dirty Work by Walker Books. Massive has also been translated into ten languages, including Thai! I also wrote and co-edited the bestselling Creative Writing Coursebook while I was working at the University of East Anglia, which is also published by Macmillan.

I am a Senior Lecturer at Birkbeck, University College of London where I teach on the MA Creative Writing and co-ordinate the annual publication The Mechanics' Institute Review and the new web portal The Birkbeck Writers' Hub.

I am currently working on my fourth novel - Bad Faith - and collaborating on work for the screen.

Reviews

[Kiki Bolwijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ironisch dat ik soms de aandacht verloor en dan weer even terug moest bladeren.
Niet te min, een banger.

[James A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though flawed, this essay covers a lot of ground about the ways technology is shaping the way humans interact with the world and with ourselves. A great starting point to think about what is happening to us, who is determining these decisions and, potentially, the ways we can escape the too-familiar cycles of outrage, boredom and anxiety.

Everyone needs to be thinking much more about the ways in which technology is directing their time, attention and being and the ways we can resist and change this.

7/10

[Anwen Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something deeply ironic about the fact that I was so engrossed in this book whilst reading it that I almost walked directly into the path of an oncoming car.

[Angvirtual · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinceramente os digo que no sé lo que es un ensayo. En mi cabeza ensayo suena a redacción que te mandan en tercero de la ESO para que creas que es algo más importante y rimbombante de lo que en realidad es, «escríbeme un ensayo sobre la contaminación» es una frase que podría haberse dicho en esas circunstancias. En la carrera he leído muchas (muchas menos de las que debería, eso también es verdad) cosas de gente que piensa fuerte, pero la mayoría han sido artículos académicos o capítulos de libros o libros, donde distintas personas han desarrollado la mayoría de las veces un análisis y otras tantas una teoría.
En mi cabeza un ensayo de personas adultas es algo así como un artículo académico donde se permiten las observaciones personales de manera puntual, creando un diálogo ameno entre las distintas visiones, teorías y estudios y la opinión personal de quien escribe. Todo esto para decir que no sé si este libro se puede considerar un ensayo como tal o más bien una reflexión sobre internet, la tecnología, sus implicaciones en nuestra vida diaria y la pérdida de control de ciertas cosas relacionadas con todo esto.

Me ha gustado, creo que es interesante y hay algunas cosas en las que estoy pensando mucho. Como lo muchísimo que contamina internet y la capacidad que podamos tener cada uno de nosotros para hacer algo al respecto o en el hecho de que la tecnología la mueve un grupito de personas muy concreto y que son ellos los que deciden cómo funciona el cotarro aunque tengamos cierta idea de control sobre lo que hacemos y como lo hacemos. Pero se me queda corto, creo que es un buen sitio por el que empezar pero sin duda hay que escarbar muchísimo más en todas estas cuestiones.

[Shirin A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're wondering why should we care about the attention economy, this book will provide a concise and compelling answer.

Radical Attention is a short but mighty critical text about the attention economy. I have told everyone I know about it and pleaded friends to read it. I'm happy to report that many of them did and thanked me because whoosh it's a powerful read!

Bell's essay provides a brilliant and clear survey of the many intersecting issues associated with our modern, virtual-dwelling lives. Bell argues for an awareness of the body and its vulnerabilities, as for new, radical forms of attention. This essay is a rallying cry to log off, zip up our skinsuits, and return to our physical communities with renewed, loving attention.

[Shayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.

"Being totally present with ourselves, and with each other, is an active form of hope. It's a line of defence against the propaganda machines that threaten to pitch us into new and alarming conflicts; against the personality-warping effects of social media; against the dark hearts of the forces that are ranged against us. Attention to the body, and by extension to the planet, to the miracle of its aliveness, allows us to reconnect to the parts of ourselves that have been outsourced to the screen."

[Anastasiia Mozghova · Rating 4 out of 5]

we tend to accept the tech world as it happens to be having been created by other imperfect human beings, but at what cost? Bell encourages readers to dig deeper, ask bolder questions, and make changes according to our values and needs.

[cagatay tanyildiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just because I read a lot on the distraction/attention, some parts of the book was not an interesting to me. However, I really liked the real life examples that author touches. Even though it doesn't offer any answers/solutions to the problem that she stated, I think she successfully managed to took my attention to it. I wish I read it at the beginning of my readings around distraction.

[Owen Carson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Post pandemic when this was published I think a lot of the content and critique has become mainstream, at least among Gen Z. Still an important (sometimes skimmable) read for anyone on social media and I will be rereading the last chapter a lot.

[Yeji · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this essay because I think attention is one of the most important, most powerful resources we have. But it didn't quite deliver; big chunks are just reiterations of the same old critiques of tech and social media without any added value; the parts about attention feel underdeveloped, unsatisfying.

I agree with most of what Bell writes and it’s not that I didn’t like it - it's just that I expected something either fiery and inspiring, or theoretical and profound, and it was neither. It was correct but superficial, accessible but a bit dry. (Of course this is about me more than about the book: classic case of happiness = reality - expectations.)

If you want something profound and academic, go for Weil or Murdoch instead; if you want something snappy and gut-punchy, On Connection or This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small but very engaging and well-written reflection on attention and its potential. Bell is rightly concerned about the way attention has been commodified by social media; I would have liked some consideration of the radical/egalitarian potential of the web (here demonised in a way that is perhaps slightly over simplistic) but this is a sincere and interesting account, and because Bell writes in a way that acknowledges her subjective experiences, she doesn't make any grandiose claims for universal applicability.

I wasn't entirely convinced by some of her arguments about online bubbles and the loss of ability to have civil conversations about political differences - some of these 'bubbles' are necessary safe places, and I get frustrated by the 'civility' discourse that so often seems to put 'rudeness' on a moral par with the things that provoke it (such as a concerted attempt to curtail people's rights). But these are particular bugbears of mine, and perhaps beyond the scope of such a brief book to really explore properly - though the absence of such deep delving can make this book feel a little simplistic at times.

This book is short, accessible, and engagingly written - a nice change from so much critical theory. It was absorbing and thoughtful, and while I didn't agree with all its claims, it was sincere and thought-provoking. I don't think there's much here that's groundbreaking - the concerns about social media and online infiltration of every aspect of our lives are not really revelations, and her thoughts on attention are not necessarily new (especially for those already familiar with Weil; Murdoch, etc. ), but it's a good read and an interesting (if not revelatory) take on an important topic. A nicely produced little edition too - I like the design and the modest size.

[Juliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The internet offers us unprecedented, new ways to connect with each other. How come [...] in the midst of this frenzy of connection, we are facing an epidemic of loneliness?” Julia Bell’s Radical Attention is an extended essay on paying attention in/to our modern world, the demands made of our attention, the risks of wasting it, the rewards of wisely investing it. Most impressive is the way Bell covers such vast ground, with no idea ever feeling half-baked, rushed; this quick read covers outrage economy, the psychological impact on Facebook’s moderators, ethics of machine learning, and incels who’ve been “so thoroughly indoctrinated by free market capitalism” that they cannot comprehend non-transactional relationships. Bell posits in accessible terms that our human capacity for attention, much like a computer’s RAM, is limited, and that everything which cries out for our attention risks overwhelming us, distracting us from real connections, reality in general. Personally, I liked Bell’s ideas on the increasing demand for us to constantly form opinions, even — especially — at the expense of thought; it’s something I’d been thinking about for some time, which was also crystallised reading Jenny Odell’s How To Do Nothing a couple of weeks ago. And, finally, Bell’s insistence on creative thinking as a meaningful escape gives us all hope.

[Ludovica Ciasullo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sono un po' ambivalente nei confronti di questo testo: mi ha fornito degli spunti interessanti ma oltre a non condividere alcune delle posizioni espresse o implicate dall'autrice, sono anche profondamente insoddisfatta.

Trovo che l'idea di interpretare la nostra attenzione come una risorsa, che ha valore e della quale dovremmo disporre liberamente, sia molto importante. Le citazioni da Simone Weil e Iris Murdoch mi sono piaciute tantissimo: in questo periodo sto anche cercando di introdurre la meditazione kundalini come pratica quotidiana, e ho notato molti punti di contatto fra gli insegnamenti della mia Maestra e le riflessioni citate.

Credo di aver ricevuto diversi stimoli interessanti leggendo, in riferimento a queste due autrici e ad altri testi, ma in generale circa l'importanza di "lasciar perdere" qualcosa (app, ma anche notizie, richieste) per riappropriarsi della risorsa, e del potere, che è la nostra attenzione. La lettura mi ha sicuramente lasciato il desiderio di approfondire. Molti degli spunti proposti, però, non sono particolarmente originali e risulteranno familiari a chi si fa domande sulle propria presenza online, e sul potere che la tecnologia ha nelle nostre vite. Non ho avuto nessun momento in cui quello che leggevo mi sembrava "illuminante", ecco.

Detto questo, ho un po' di problemi con alcune delle posizioni espresse nel testo. Per esempio, nella parte iniziale c'è un richiamo a come l'uso di internet abbia reso la giornata lavorativa dell'autrice meno produttiva: non penso che il motivo per cui dovremmo problematizzare i social network e la dipendenza da smartphone sia che ci distolgono dal lavoro, e il seguito del libro rende abbastanza chiaro che l'autrice condivide questa posizione, ma trovo che avrebbe dovuto chiarirlo fin dalle prime pagine. Un altro punto a mio avviso problematico è il modo in cui l'autrice parla del porno: sembra avere una posizione molto critica, che pure non spiega nel dettaglio, senza nessuna differenziazione fra pornografia mainstream e il cosiddetto post-porno, appiattendo un discorso che invece è potenzialmente complesso e stimolante.

Dal punto di vista stilistico, siamo di fronte ad una collezione di appunti, più che ad un saggio. Questo significa che nessuno dei punti che vengono suggeriti sia davvero approfondito, il che sarebbe anche accettabile se il libro fosse almeno dotato di una dettagliata bibliografia. Invece c'è solo una breve lista, alcuni dei fatti o dei brani citati nel corpo del libro non hanno un preciso riferimento bibliografico, e l'effetto complessivo è quello di una conversazione interessante, ma piuttosto superficiale.

Se è un pamphlet, non è abbastanza preciso e puntuale nelle accuse che lancia; se è una meditazione personale, non è abbastanza intima; se è un saggio, non è abbastanza approfondito. Mi sembra che voglia essere un po' tutte e tre le cose senza riuscire davvero in nessuna.

[Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

i genuinely don't know how to rate this book — i started it half a year ago, really liked the beginning then got extremely irritated by the writing style and a few claims the author wasn't quite making but subtly implying, and put it away for a while

picked it up again now to finish it at last and absolutely loved the rest of the book, as in "yes this section is literally what i've been trying to explain to people but couldn't quite articulate" (that bit on meditation!!)

i probably need to reread it again to see if the beginning lands differently now (to be honest i have changed some of my views on the topic recently), but even if i still hate it — it's a lot to think about and, worst case, articulate why do i hate it so much, and that on it's own is worth a lot

[Goran Baba · Rating 5 out of 5]

So insightful and up to date. It's all about now and about almost any time. I enjoyed the read, although most of the issues are among the most depressing matters of this time. And learned a lot. It's a book to make you angry, but also think and in a way, despite the horror, optimistic. The author doesn't only show how horrible things are, but also how better things can be. Sometimes we don't need to take drastic steps to make things better. We need just not to take steps to make things worse. I think, beside many other things, this was simply a message I got from this book. Only if we all take a step back. Which ironically the pandemic made us do a bit. Anyway, I think it's also a book that reading it twice will give it more justice, as it contains a lot.

[Kim Shively · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of thoughts on issues surrounding the impacts of technology on the human capacity to think and to pay attention. It sometimes felt a bit scattershot, but there were many gems that stood out to me, especially her discussions of capitalism and biotechnology.

For example, when she discusses Simone Weil's methods of teaching that encouraged students to question not only what we learn but the way in which we learn, she comments, "This kind of teaching is at odds with the sort of skills-based training being encouraged by our current education systems, which are being ideologically driven by those who would have us think less and work more."

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A snack sized book, wonderfully written, that talks about the pitfalls of modern life and the human condition. Bell writes of the terrifying reality that we live in, and how much we are controlled by the money making powers that own the online world (f off Bezos)... but this is a feel good essay. She posits an alternative, where you can escape by actually creating time to think and pay attention to the world and your own thoughts, feelings and body. Interestingly she does this whilst also slandering new-age meditation.
Nothing new, but very nicely put together and easy to consume. Will be keeping this on the shelf to reread whenever I need a reminder to look up from my phone.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I heavily disagree with some of the statements made, I enjoyed reading this book. Especially passages that mention the work of Arendt, Weil or bell hooks inspired me to think more critically about the influence that fragmented thinking has on life. However, I think that we should rethink what role we want the internet to play in our day-to-day lives instead of pushing it to the side completely. Most negative effects are mostly due to capitalism and I do not believe that they are by definition intertwined.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I strongly recommend this book.

This is an essay about attention in our current times, times when for-profit companies do their best to capture it with misinformation that outrage and engage.

It deals with the negative impact of technology on our society’s ability to find common ground as a consequence of our trapped attention, and it’s a warning about the very real oppression that occurs when people don’t have time to think.

If you feel overwhelmed by the unending stream of information, bad news, and newsfeed items, I’d recommend you to read this short book.

[Thomas Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, bleak, furious polemic that diagnoses the made ways in which modern society is made worse by the marriage of new media technologies and unfettered capitalism. From gentrification to hate crimes to hyperreality, this reads like a checklist of "go outside and touch some grass" anxieties and imperatives. But it's hard to argue with much here, especially the ultimate messages - to actively listen, to allow deep understanding of things, to accept and embrace silence in a noisy world.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Olivia Laing is quoted on the cover, “Terrifying, clarifying, and ultimately hopeful, this is an essential book.”

Even if you read it simply to shake your head once, immediately taking leave from the Meatspace once more - this book leaves a lasting impression of the leading role technology plays in consumer driven culture.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I impulse bought this book after seeing it mentioned in a Facebook comment below a clip of Simon Amstell that I was watching but didn't want to see.

"The cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run"

- Henry David Thoreau

[Anaplaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whatever the future holds, while we have breath we still have choices about what we attend to, and attending to the miracle of our consciousness in the world —without being nudged or pushed or spied upon— is the most difficult, necessary, and radical act of all”.

[Alex Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Billed as an essay, it feels like snippets of facts and opinions taken from social media. Is this deliberate? Ironic? Maybe the discourse has moved on in the 4 years since this was published, but I'm not left with much new: we know that algorithms capture attention and resisting that is radical.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed this - insightful & clearly written! think the ideas about an attention economy are so interesting & definitely important going forward as we continue to think about our relationship with social media/internet etc.

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way this book was written, very digestible and informative. I was intrigued by the idea of our attention hardly ever being totally focused on something. I thought it was a nice idea that it could be. It didn’t change my life

[Sam Schulenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, well written, but ultimately not quite as radical as the title promised.

[Jamrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

[Khushi S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to re-read this every now and then

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot to ponder in this slim volume. I probably approached it looking for solutions to the struggle for attention and found mostly description. Maybe not entirely a bad thing - maybe we each have to find our own solutions. I will sit with it.