Introduction

Time and attention are the priceless assets that shape the value of our existence. In an increasingly commercialised internet space, monetising these assets has significantly impacted both the online experience and subsequently, the human experience. With more than 5 billion people using the internet around the world (Kemp, 2023), the way businesses operate has drastically changed, shifting towards a model of big data collection and targeted advertising for improved ROI and conversion rates.

Vying for the time and attention of users as a form of currency, despite positive offerings of enhanced personalised content and marketing efficiency, the commercial transformation of the internet has also unfortunately brought about as outlined by Bhatt (2019) an attention deficit crisis which is characterized by reduced attention spans and increased susceptibility to distractions. In exploring this issue, a question we should ask concerning the businesses and platforms using our attention is: “How has the commercialization of the internet transformed the way businesses operate, and what are the implications for user well-being in this digital landscape?”

The Internet’s Commercialisation & its Scope

To comprehend the connection between internet commercialization and attention deficiencies, one must first assess its infrastructure and motivations. As discussed by Greenstein (2015), the launch of Netscape Navigator in 1994, a web browser that made the World Wide Web more accessible to the public, helped pave the way for the commercialization of the internet as businesses seized this opportunity of its increased public use by building commercial websites; Thus, giving rise to the online advertising sector in an interactive nature.

From these origins, according to Kim (1998) the internet’s communication infrastructure quickly shifted into a space that was virtually entirely run by private commercial vendors, allowing for unfettered operation of the digital market. As a result of this lack of cohesion under a single vision or funding framework, businesses have sought to gain competitive advantages through innovative marketing strategies to continually engage and influence user attention and there is one crucial component to this—data monetisation.  

Today, data is treasured more than ever, and its power in the digital age can be conceptually understood by breaking down the now-common quotation and comparison shared in an article from The Economist Newspaper from 2017 titled “The world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data”. Highlighting the power and value of these resources the phrase paints a picture of their similar purpose and potential as there wouldn’t have been an industrial revolution without oil, and the commercial value of the internet would not have reached its current levels without the possession and monetization of data.

The Role of Data on The Online Experience

Simply expressed, data enabled the employment of data-driven marketing techniques that involve highly targeted advertising and ongoing exposure to promotional material to prolong user engagement (Saur, 2021). Such relentless pursuit of user attention and time has led to higher precision in analytical approaches towards user activities and interactions, and as a result has created a feedback loop where the output of data analysis feeds into the system as a new input—perpetuating the cycle of data driven commercialisation (Van Der Waerdt, 2023). This has allowed for the pushing of individualised content that is determined to be relevant or interesting to internet users, allowing for the effective capturing and maintenance of user attention.  

Pinterest: positive benefits of personalised content

Pinterest, a free social networking site, leverages its discovery algorithm, which suggests pins and boards based on information about users’ interests and prior interactions, to show off a tailored user experience. It can be used by users to explore and save ideas, and according to a recent study by Pinterest Business, “Active engagement with inspiring content on Pinterest mitigated the consequences of burnout on people’s daily positive emotions, preserving their capacity to feel good” (Para. 9). As a result, Pinterest has been able to improve user well-being through the targeted curation of ideas that resonate with their interests and passions thanks to the investment in AI data analysis tools (Wired, 2018).

Cognitive Well-being in the Commercialised Digital Age

Globally, individuals aged between 16-34 spend on average seven hours online daily (Statista, 2023). Such an alarming statistic is not without reason, as previously outlined, online businesses have effectively been able to seize the attention and time of users through effective data-driven marketing strategies to prompt behaviours of addiction and distraction.

ADHD & digital consumption

In a study conducted by Ra et. al (2018) in the Journal of the American Medical Association on the association between digital media use and symptoms of ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in adolescents, they found there was a significant statistically significant association between the two factors. In unpacking these findings, while there may be association, it must be said that the correlation does not imply causation as other factors and variables may be at play, however it does highlight the need for further research and the need for responsible and mindful digital media use among young people to ensure their overall well-being.

Mobile phone addiction as a depressive risk factor

In another research study on phone addiction problems in Chinese University students by Liu & Lu (2022), they discovered that such an addiction in young people serves as a risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances. These findings highlight the significant impact on mobile phone addiction as not merely a personal problem but a public health problem. Evidently, understanding the potential consequences of addiction is paramount, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions to promote healthier digital habits to safeguard their mental and physical well-being in an increasingly digital world.

User Protection Through Ethical & Regulatory Responses

As previously mentioned, Kim’s (1998) critique of the beginnings of the commercial internet and its lack of unified vision has evidently resulted in an internet space that falls short in meeting public interest obligations in relation to user well-being and suggests that government’s role should be one of active regulatory engagement. Ethical and regulatory responses to the commercialisation of the internet and user well-being is essential to ensure safe and fair digital environments. Here are some examples of advertising practices and regulatory responses that help users regain control over their digital lives and make more conscious choices on how they engage with online content:  

• Transparency in Data Collection: Companies can practice ethical advertising practices by clearly informing users about the data they collect and how it will be used (Aguirre, 2015).
• Data Privacy Laws: Many countries have enacted data privacy laws like GDPR in the EU and CCPA in California. These laws empower users to have more control over their data and require companies to be transparent about data practices

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of the commercialized internet, the quest to safeguard user well-being stands as an essential mission. As we’ve delved into the intricacies of this digital mousetrap, it becomes abundantly clear that the balance between commerce and well-being is a delicate one.

But amidst this complexity, one thing remains certain: the well-being of users should be at the forefront of our digital endeavours. We’ve explored the infrastructures of the internet, data-driven strategies, and its impact on user-wellbeing as well as existing ethical practices and regulatory responses. It’s a path that requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to the greater good.

In the end, safeguarding the time and attention of people in the commercialized internet era is not just a noble goal; it’s a necessity. It’s a call to action for all stakeholders, from tech giants to policymakers to individual users. Together, we can transform this digital mousetrap into a platform that empowers, enriches, and ultimately, prioritizes the well-being of us all.

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References

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California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). State of California – Department of Justice – Office of the Attorney General. (2023, May 10). https://www.oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa  

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Pinterest Business. (2023, September 20). New Research from UC Berkeley shows that Pinterest can help to promote mental health. Pinterest. https://business.pinterest.com/en-au/blog/positivity-research-pinterest-berkeley/

Ra, C. K., Cho, J., Stone, M. D., De La Cerda, J., Goldenson, N. I., Moroney, E., Tung, I., Lee, S. S., & Leventhal, A. M. (2018). Association of Digital Media Use With Subsequent Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Adolescents. JAMA: the Journal of the American Medical Association, 320(3), 255–263. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.8931

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