Attention-Based Politics: Dynamics, Implications, and Future Trajectories

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern politics, attention has emerged as a crucial factor in shaping public discourse, policy priorities, and electoral outcomes. Attention-based politics refers to the strategic management and manipulation of public attention by political actors, media outlets, and interest groups to influence perceptions, agendas, and political power. This panel explores attention-based politics's dynamics, implications, and future trajectories. It emphasizes understanding how attention operates as a currency in the digital age, its impact on democratic processes, and how it shapes political behavior and policy-making.
The primary objective of this panel is to critically examine the concept of attention-based politics from multiple perspectives, including political science, media studies, psychology, and communication studies. The panel will address key questions such as:
• How do political actors capture and sustain public attention in an era of information overload?
• What are the implications of attention-based politics for democratic governance, particularly regarding policy prioritization and public accountability?
• How do media and digital platforms mediate the distribution of attention, and what are the consequences for political polarization and civic engagement?
• What strategies can mitigate the negative effects of attention-based politics on public discourse and democratic integrity?
By bringing together diverse perspectives, the panel will contribute to developing theoretical frameworks and practical strategies for addressing the challenges posed by attention-driven political dynamics. As attention becomes an increasingly valuable resource in the political arena, it is essential to examine its role and implications critically. This panel will provide a timely and comprehensive exploration of attention-based politics, offering valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in the future of democratic governance in the digital age.