Engagement Over Depth

"Real" flowers, on a real table, in a real room

In today's content-driven economy, what truly captures attention are elements that prevent users from scrolling past: shock, humor, controversy, and nostalgia. Unfortunately, depth, subtlety, and nuance often take a backseat to these attention-grabbing tactics.

We are instinctively wired to react quickly, forming immediate opinions and sharing information without fully understanding the content. Our emotional responses have become fleeting; the world can break your heart in one moment and make you laugh in the next. This creates a sense of emotional whiplash that is both addictive and disorienting.

This shift in how we consume content is not only about technology; it is fundamentally about attention. Our time has become the most valuable currency, and platforms are engaged in fierce competition to capture it. In this race, our ability to deeply engage with any single idea, story, or perspective is being quietly diminished.

Where does this leave us?

What is "real" and genuine?

What is meaningful?

And ultimately, what are we becoming as a species, a culture, and as human beings?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment with your insights.

David