Definition:
The deliberate design practice of seizing and holding attention using dopamine-triggering cues such as novelty, urgency, or emotional provocation.
Usage Context:
Used in advertising, platform design, news cycles, and app interfaces that prioritize time-on-platform over user intent.
Critical Note:
Attention capture reframes distraction as a feature rather than a harm, shifting responsibility onto individuals for failing to resist engineered systems.
Related Terms:
Attention Economy, Engagement, Behavioural Bias Exploitation, Addiction Mechanics, Algorithmic Visibility Pressure