New Delhi: Social media platforms have undoubtedly revolutionised the way we communicate and share information. They have democratised access to global audiences, empowering individuals from all walks of life to have a voice. Whether you’re a researcher sharing groundbreaking findings, an artist unveiling a masterpiece, or an entrepreneur promoting a new venture, social media offers a digital stage for your message.
In an era defined by the ubiquity of social media platforms, where individuals are quick to share their achievements, insights, and aspirations, a concerning trend has emerged. It is a trend that betrays the principles of professionalism and decorum, and we find it imperative to address this issue – the phenomenon of attention hijacking on social media.
In this digital age, the currency of attention has become one of the most sought-after commodities. Likes, comments, and shares represent the digital applause that many yearn for. However, this hunger for attention has given rise to a troubling phenomenon – attention hijacking. It refers to the deliberate and strategic diversion of attention from one topic, post, or individual to another, often for personal gain or promotion. This behaviour typically occurs on social media platforms, where individuals seek to redirect engagement or spotlight onto their own content, thereby diminishing the visibility or recognition of the original post or person. It involves exploiting the attention garnered by another party’s post or content to draw attention to oneself, often at the expense of meaningful discourse or professional courtesy. It is an act that robs the original post of the recognition it deserves, often driven by an individual’s desire to promote themselves or their agenda.
Few examples of attention hijacking on social media:
Comment Diversion: Someone comments on a post with a lengthy or unrelated comment, steering the conversation away from the original topic and towards their own agenda or content.
Self-Promotion: A user consistently shares links to their own content or products in response to posts by others, aiming to draw attention to themselves rather than engaging with the original content.
Hashtag Hijacking: Users exploit trending hashtags by using them to promote their own unrelated content, effectively hijacking the attention surrounding the hashtag for their own benefit.
Content Repurposing: Instead of engaging with a post or contributing to the conversation, a user reposts the content with minor modifications to make it appear as their own, diverting attention from the original creator.
One-Upmanship: In response to someone sharing an accomplishment or milestone, another user shares a similar but exaggerated or unrelated accomplishment of their own, shifting the focus away from the original poster’s achievement.
It has become all too common to witness individuals, ostensibly supporters or followers, diverting attention away from a meaningful post by others, often posts that represent significant effort and accomplishment. These individuals seize the opportunity to draw the spotlight onto themselves, redirecting the discourse to their own content. Such behaviour not only diminishes the value of the original post but also reflects a worrying lapse in social media etiquette.
In professional circles, one is expected to celebrate the accomplishments of peers and colleagues, offer constructive feedback, or engage in meaningful discourse. Attention hijacking, however, epitomises an absence of courtesy and professionalism. It sends a message that personal promotion takes precedence over intellectual exchange. Some may argue that social media platforms are inherently competitive arenas, where visibility and engagement are crucial for personal or professional growth.
While we acknowledge the importance of personal branding and professional growth in the digital age, it is essential to recognise that true success is often built upon the foundation of collaboration, mutual respect, and genuine engagement. Attention hijacking not only undermines these principles but also erodes the quality of discourse on social media platforms. It shows a larger issue: the erosion of professionalism and decorum in digital interactions.
When individuals prioritise diverting attention to themselves at the expense of others’ contributions, it erodes the principles of ethical conduct and mutual respect. In digital spaces, where interactions are often devoid of face-to-face cues, upholding ethical standards becomes paramount to maintaining trust and integrity. Without a culture of mutual respect, online communities risk becoming fragmented and contentious, hindering meaningful dialogue and constructive collaboration. Therefore, combating attention hijacking requires a concerted effort to promote ethical behaviour and foster a culture of mutual support, where individuals value the contributions of others and engage in respectful discourse.
Addressing attention hijacking requires a multifaceted approach that promotes respectful engagement and discourages behaviour that undermines the value of others’ content. One solution is to establish and promote clear guidelines for social media etiquette, emphasising the importance of acknowledging and engaging with others’ content in a respectful manner. Additionally, social media platforms can implement features or algorithms that prioritise meaningful interactions and discourage attention hijacking tactics, such as flagging or limiting the visibility of posts that divert attention from the original content. Encouraging users to report instances of attention hijacking and providing tools to mitigate its effects can also help maintain a positive and constructive online environment. Furthermore, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support among users can counteract the competitive mindset that often drives attention hijacking behaviour, promoting a more inclusive and respectful online community.
(The author is a Policy Researcher & Corporate advisor. He tweets @ssmumbai)
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone. The opinions and facts in this article do not represent the stand of News9.)
‘Attention-hijacking’ on social media
10
0
22.02.2024
New Delhi: Social media platforms have undoubtedly revolutionised the way we communicate and share information. They have democratised access to global audiences, empowering individuals from all walks of life to have a voice. Whether you’re a researcher sharing groundbreaking findings, an artist unveiling a masterpiece, or an entrepreneur promoting a new venture, social media offers a digital stage for your message.
In an era defined by the ubiquity of social media platforms, where individuals are quick to share their achievements, insights, and aspirations, a concerning trend has emerged. It is a trend that betrays the principles of professionalism and decorum, and we find it imperative to address this issue – the phenomenon of attention hijacking on social media.
In this digital age, the currency of attention has become one of the most sought-after commodities. Likes, comments, and shares represent the digital applause that many yearn for. However, this hunger for attention has given rise to a troubling phenomenon – attention hijacking. It refers to the deliberate and strategic diversion of attention from one topic, post, or individual to another, often for personal gain or promotion. This behaviour typically occurs on social media platforms, where individuals seek to redirect engagement or spotlight onto their own content, thereby diminishing the visibility or recognition of the original post or person. It involves exploiting the attention garnered by another party’s post or content to draw attention to oneself, often at the expense of........
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