The Attention Test
The greatest currency in the generative AI landscape is attention. I previously explored this idea in a paper called Proof of Attention (POA), where I argued that attention can — and perhaps should — be monetized.
In an online conversation with a teacher, they shared an unexpected challenge with students using AI. The issue wasn’t just that students were relying on AI to complete assignments. The real problem was that many had not even carefully read their own submitted work. This highlights the greatest sin in the AI era: disrespecting the attention of those who engage with AI-generated content.
The simplest way to avoid this pitfall is to abstain from AI use altogether. For instance, as I write this essay, I haven’t used AI to assist in the initial drafting. However, I will likely use AI to proofread and refine it once I’ve finished ideating. This approach ensures that I’ve fully engaged with my work before sharing it. In doing so, I honor the reader’s attention, even when using AI as a tool.
A Solution for Educators
Teachers could adopt AI to vet student work before committing their own valuable attention. A potential method would involve integrating AI with a real-time oral component to verify student engagement with their submissions.
The process could work as follows:
1. Student submits work.
2. Teacher processes the submission through AI, generating a set of POA questions tailored to the student’s writing.
3. Teacher conducts a brief real-time meeting (via phone or in person) to verify the student’s engagement with their work.
4. If the student demonstrates POA, the teacher proceeds with a full review of the submission.
5. If the student fails POA, they must produce a new submission and repeat the process until they demonstrate engagement.
POA as a Cultural Shift
POA wouldn’t necessarily need to be a graded component. Instead, it would act as a safeguard against thoughtless AI use. Over time, as students internalize the importance of POA, they will develop a more responsible relationship with AI — one that respects both their own learning process and the time of those reviewing their work.
Eventually, respect for attention could become so ingrained that formal POA measures would only be necessary in cases where students are suspected of disengagement. Until then, POA could serve as both an educational tool and a disciplinary measure, reinforcing the principle that attention — both given and received — is a currency worth safeguarding.
Jason Paul Guzman is a partner at the branding, design and web agency Trasaterra in New York City. Trasaterra’s creative philosophy and methodology is rooted in audience attraction through brand authenticity.
