Paying Attention, Losing Our Minds.

Zoe Sherman's book, "Modern Advertising and the Market for Audience Attention," provides an overview of the rise and development of the advertising industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sherman explores the concept of "audience attention" as a commodity and examines how it was produced and sold by advertisers. The book delves into the historical struggles and competition between different agents in the industry, as well as the social, economic, and cultural consequences of advertising. Sherman argues that the advertising industry emerged as a response to the crises of late 19th-century capitalism, with manufacturers using advertising to increase demand for their products. The book also highlights the ways in which advertisers sought to capture and control audience attention, transforming it into a valuable resource. Ultimately, Sherman suggests that the invasion of advertising into our consciousness depletes and alienates our attention, leading to negative consequences for individuals and society. [Extracted from the article]