VALUING THE INTANGIBLE: A SOCIOECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ATTENTION AS CURRENCY IN THE DIGITAL ERA

The digital economy has transformed attention into a scarce resource that can be monetized, with major corporations vying for consumer engagement. This paper investigates whether attention functions as a form of currency within the modern economy, exploring how companies capitalize on consumer attention, the economic frameworks that enable its trade, and the wide social and financial connotations. Moreover, this research investigates the potential commodification of attention through an interdisciplinary framework that includes behavioral economics, digital marketing strategies, and platform capitalism. The results indicate that although attention can be measured and exchanged, its economic worth is variable, which presents difficulties for regulation and ethical implications.