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The Price of Free Understanding Social Media’s Hidden Costs
Today people are questioning what liberties has been granted to any common man, if indeed liberty of utilizing social media is to be granted for free. This must have appealed well social media makes us connected, informed and even makes us smile at times. But there’s a deeper question we often overlook: Why is all of this free? And what does the word “free” stand for actually?
The Illusion of Free Access
Social networking looks like a great bargain at first sight. This is when you sign up, create an account and get to use all the videos, online platforms, learning tools, or entertainment you want for free. But is it really free? The truth is, the real cost isn’t paid with money; it’s paid with something far more valuable: your attention.
The Hidden Value of Your Attention
Every time you decide to take a look at a video, a post or even an advertisement you are losing your attention in bits and pieces. Companies are watching this. They determine the time you spend looking at an ad, areas of attention, and the things that grab your attention. Just even a couple of seconds of pause in an advert are enough for marketers to realize that something is working.
In today’s digital environment, attention is a zero-ready cash the most significant asset…