Jump to...
Influencer Marketing
Expand your reach and engage with your target audience using this trending technique that blends celebrity endorsements with social media marketing.
Leading High Performing Remote Teams
How can leaders ensure that performance remains high in remote or hybrid-work environments?
Design Thinking
Learn the 5 phases of this problem-solving methodology and switch from technology-centered to user-centered thinking.
Gantt Chart
Invented in the early 20th century, the Gantt Chart is one of the building blocks of modern project management. In this online course, you'll learn how this tool can be used effectively to monitor progress and achieve your team's goals.
Navigating Change Successfully
The working landscape is continually shifting and being disrupted, so how to employees maintain a sense of stability? Listen to CEO and president of Carl ZEISS Japan Stefan Sacre share his expertise on dealing with change in organizations and entire industries.
Halo Effect
The halo effect is often leveraged for marketing and promotion. But as a type of cognitive bias, it can also have a subconscious impact on decision-making in the workplace. Learn why and (how to overcome it) in this online course.
Anchoring and Framing
Want to increase your confidence during negotiations? Master the principles of anchoring and framing to take your negotiation skills to the next level.
ZOPA and BATNA
Understanding ZOPA and BATNA will help you become a better negotiator, create more value, and feel more confident at the table.
Content Marketing
In this course, you’ll learn how compelling blogs, videos, podcasts, and other media can reach customers and drive sales. You’ll also learn steps for creating an effective content marketing plan, and some important ways to measure its impact and success.
Content marketing is a essential digital marketing strategy for companies looking to provide relevant and useful information to support your community and attract new customers.
Get started on your content marketing journey today.
Sustainable Innovation in Times of Disruption: Choices for a Better Society
There are opportunities for progress all around us. The key is to innovate on these opportunities sustainably.
To help identify most effective path forward, you'll need to gain a global perspective to these challenges in an open discussion. How can Japan and the world take action to create a more sustainable, innovative world? Where do you fit in?
It's time to find out.
Social Media & Digital Communications: Impact on Global Public Opinion
Social and digital media have dominated the communications industry for decades. But it's no secret that social media has the power to sway public opinion, and the way in which many companies use these platforms could be seen as manipulative.
What do companies need to be aware of when utilizing social and digital media? How can these mediums be used to better communicate strategically with the world?
Discover what top media and communications experts have to say.
Blockchain
Blockchain is one of the most captivating technologies out there. Learn what it is and how to make use of its opportunities in this short online course.
Mehrabian’s Rule
The 7-38-55 Rule, developed by Albert Mehrabian, suggests that effective communication relies less on the words we choose than on our tone of our voice, appearance, and body language. Learn how to put this theory to use for better communication in business.
Pareto Principle
Your time and resources are limited. Efficiency means learning to prioritize. The Pareto principle (also called the 80-20 rule) can help you identify the best way to use your time for maximum results.
Country Analysis Framework
Overseas expansion requires careful planning. The Country Analysis Framework can help you look beyond an industry-level analysis and reframe your view based on performance, strategy, and context. Try this short course to learn how it works.
SECI Model
The SECI model illustrates how knowledge is created and shared. Learn how to put it to use for best practices, and how the Japanese concept of “ba” fits in to broaden your perspective.
Johari Window Model
The Johari Window Model is a self-awareness framework that helps you better understand . . . you. Learn how its four quadrants can help you identify gaps between how you see yourself, and how others see you.
Sunk Costs
Wondering if you should continue an investment or look for something new? Sunk costs can have a powerful psychological impact on decision-making. Learn how to recognize them to ensure rational decisions.
CAGE Distance Framework
Want to expand overseas? The CAGE distance framework can help ensure you're constructing a solid global strategy in four areas: cultural, administrative, economic, and geographic. Learn how to leverage useful differences between countries, identify potential obstacles, and achieve global business success.
Groupthink
Groupthink refers to group pressure and the perception of consensus which together lead to ill-formed decisions—or even unnecessary risks. Learn to identify the warning signs of groupthink and apply countermeasures in this online course.
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
Solving problems with the best results means using two types of thinking: deductive and inductive reasoning. In this online course, learn to form a broad premise, make observations, and form conclusions from different perspectives.
Critical Thinking: Hypothesis-Driven Thinking
Anyone can come up with a good idea. The real challenge is putting that idea into action. In this online course, explore how to form compelling, testable hypotheses and bring ideas to life in your own organization.
Critical Thinking: Structured Reasoning
Even a few simple techniques for logical decision making and persuasion can vastly improve your skills as a leader. Explore how critical thinking can help you evaluate complex business problems, reduce bias, and devise effective solutions.
Critical Thinking: Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is a central business skill, and yet it's the one many people struggle with most. This course will show you how to apply critical thinking techniques to common business examples, avoid misunderstandings, and get at the root of any problem.
How to Dream
Join globally renowned author and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Sheena Iyengar as she explains how to approach your dreams with a new perspective. Learn to reflect on what you long to accomplish and what stands in your way.
Logical Thinking
Logical thinking is at the heart of confident, persuasive decisions. This course will equip you with a five-point approach to more becoming a more logical thinker. Learn to classify ideas and distinguish fact from opinion.
Investing & Diversity: The Changing Faces of Venture Capitalists
Is the venture capital industry embracing diversity in investors? Watch global venture capitalists from around the world discuss the state of things and what needs to be done for a more inclusive future.
Servant Leadership
There's more to leadership than driving a team to profit. In fact, there's a word for looking beyond self-interest to prioritize individual growth: servant leadership. Try this course for a quick breakdown of what that is, how it works, and how it can lead to organizational success.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Ever wonder what makes a great leader? Whether your role requires leadership or not, understanding organizational behavior is useful for your career. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can set you on your way.
Leadership vs. Management
Leadership and management are different skills, but today’s leaders must have both. Try out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to understand the difference, as well as when and why each skill is necessary for motivation, communication, and value.
Strategy: Creating Value Inside Your Company
Have you ever wondered why certain companies are more successful than others? The answer is strategy: internal processes that control costs, allocate resources, and create value. This course from GLOBIS Unlimited can give you the tools you need for that strategic edge.
Strategy: Understanding the External Environment
To plan strategy on any level, you need to understand your company's external environment. In fact, your level of understanding can impact hiring, budgeting, marketing, or nearly any other part of the business world. Want to learn how to do all that? This course from GLOBIS Unlimited is the perfect first step!
Using Japanese Values to Thrive in Global Business
Japanese companies have unique cultural, communication, and operational challenges. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. Check out this seminar to hear how these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees.
Turnaround Leadership: The Differences Between Japan and the West
What's the best way for leaders to communicate a shift in corporate strategy? How do you even know when it's time for such a change? This course explains how Japan might have one answer, Western companies another.
Conflict Management
Conflicts in the workplace are inevitable. But they can lead to positive outcomes if they’re managed well. Check out this online course for a two-step process that can help you manage conflict successfully.
Evernote Founder: How Tech Startups Can Break through in Japan
Can startup models from Hollywood and Silicon Valley succeed anywhere? Phil Libin, cofounder and CEO of startup incubator All Turtles, explains how AI can solve everyday problems to bring products to market.
Women Empowerment: Lessons from Cartier
How can women overcome gender inequality and reach their leadership goals? Cartier Japan CEO June Miyachi shares her secret in this special course from GLOBIS Unlimited.
Marketing: Reaching Your Target
Every company works hard to get its products into the hands of customers. Are you doing everything you can to compete? In this course, you’ll find a winning formula to turn a product idea into real sales. Follow along through the fundamentals of the marketing mix and see how companies successfully bring products to market.
Marketing Mix
Seeing good products into the hands of customers is no easy task. The marketing mix can help. It's a collection of strategies and tactics companies utilize to get customers to purchase their products or services, and is an essential part of the overall marketing process.
The Principles of Negotiation
With the proper skills and attitude, anyone can become a successful negotiator. But first, you'll need to learn the basics to prepare for, assess, and respond to offers for the best results. GLOBIS Unlimited can help.
Negotiation: Creating Value
Want to create more shared value between yourself and your negotiation opponent? Discover how cognitive bias affects the judgment of others. Try this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to master the value of negotiation.
Finding Your Life Purpose with Ikigai
Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. Listen to Japanese brain scientist Ken Mogi explain why and how.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Want to leverage Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a leader? Try this short course to see how the theory can be applied in practical work scenarios.
Confirmation Bias
We all subconsciously collect information that reinforces our preconceptions. It's natural . . . but it does lead to a kind of flawed decision-making called confirmation bias. To become more objective and impartial, check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited!
An Investor's Lesson to Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs have the power to transform societies for the better. But how do you attract investors to start or grow a business? Or to sell one? Check out this seminar for the answers to these and more, straight from a master venture capitalist!
Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting is a powerful way to measure progress, identify problems, and meet your goals. Check out this course to learn how data-backed decisions can help you run your business.
Finance Basics: 1
For a healthy mix of quantitative planning, evaluation, and management, you need solid decision-making. And finance is the secret sauce! Get the essentials of finance in this two-part course from GLOBIS Unlimited.
Basic Accounting: Financial Analysis
Want to compare your performance vs. a competitor? Or evaluate a potential vendor? Then you'll need to conduct a financial analysis. This course will teach you how to use three financial statements and evaluate financial performance in terms of profitability, efficiency, soundness, growth, and overall strength.
Career Anchors
What drives you to be good at your job?
Career anchors are based on your values, desires, motivations, and abilities. They are the immovable parts of your professional self-image that guide you throughout your career journey.
Try this short GLOBIS Unlimited course to identify which of the eight career anchors is yours!
Digital Marketing Psychology to Transform Your Business
How does digital marketing really differ from traditional marketing? How is social media changing things really? And what's going on in Asia?
Pyramid Structure
Having the pyramid structure in your communication toolkit can not only help you approach a problem, but convince others that your solution is valid. Break away from linear thinking and test your logical thinking with this course from GLOBIS Unlimited!
Leadership with Passion through Kokorozashi
The key ingredient to success? Passion.
Finding your kokorozashi will unify your passions and skills to create positive change in society. This GLOBIS Unlimited course will help you develop the values and lifelong goals you need to become a strong, passion-driven leader.
AI First Companies – Implementation and Impact
AI is changing the way companies operate. How do you structure teams to increase efficiency?
Technovate in the Era of Industry 4.0
Is Industry 4.0 is the next step of human evolution human civilization? Dr. Jorge Calvo seems to think so. Join him to learn how the past can help you set goals for an exciting future of digital innovation.
Technovate Thinking
Business leaders of tomorrow need to harness the power of technology and innovation. That means understanding algorithms and how they drive business results. Discover opportunities to make technology work for your competitive edge.
Product Life Cycle
Every product takes a natural course through the market—there's a how, when, and why customers adopt products at different stages. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to find out how a product you use every day is part of this cycle.
Logic Tree
Logical thinking is the most valuable asset any business professional can have. That's why logic trees are such a valuable tool—they can help you identify a problem, break it down, and build it back up to a solution.
MECE Principle
Using the MECE principle can help ensure you categorize without gaps or overlaps. Check out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited for a practical demonstration of how it works!
TL;DR: Feeling disconnected, isolated and overwhelmed online? In today’s attention economy, that’s normal. Paying attention to what we pay attention to is vital for us to reconnect with one another and live meaningfully in a digital age.
We all know the drill. What simply starts as checking a phone notification quickly spirals into hours lost while binge-scrolling through social media feeds that have you liking, reacting and swiping across a scattered but interesting mix of reels, photos, memes and various media. So, you scroll and swipe again.
Welcome to the attention economy, where what you consume also consumes you. You don’t just lose time–but also focus, meaningful personal context and the shared experiences necessary for human connection. It’s a rabbit hole of dopamine-driven fixation trapping us in an inescapable loop of digital consumption–one that has become our new normal, with vast socio-economic, political, environmental and public health repercussions.
Human transactions are rapidly occurring within a growing digital universe. Approximately 70% of the world’s population now uses mobile phones to access the internet for at least 7 hours every day–statistics that will inevitably increase over time. At this juncture in our digital evolution, our well-being and ability to form deep personal connections is at stake.
What is the attention economy?
The attention economy is a marketplace where attention has become a finite, monetizable resource–a scarce commodity that can be bought and sold. In a digital universe saturated with zettabytes of information, every single click, like, share and view is valuable.
This idea has been around awhile. Nobel Laureate economist and psychologist Herbert A. Simon, who coined the term in 1971, observed that “a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention”. Two decades later, Michael Goldhaber expounded upon Simon’s idea–predicting that attention would displace information as the most valuable currency in the age of the internet.
More than 50 years later, these predictions seem almost prophetic. The attention economy is no longer just a theory. It’s the operating system of our digital era.
Next Article
Digital Marketing . . . Basically
How does the attention economy work?
As the name implies, the attention economy thrives on attention. Wherever your attention goes–as clicks, likes, shares, views, etc.–is where the money flows. The principle is simple: if advertisers, businesses, content creators, data brokers and digital platforms have your attention, they have your wallet.
Capturing the attention of more than 5 billion people online is a lucrative industry, with global net advertising revenue reaching US$83 billion in 2023 and growing. Businesses and data brokers collect data about consumer behavior for targeted advertising; digital platforms personalize content and maximize user engagement; while marketers pay for ad space and access to users’ attention on these platforms.
In this neck-to-neck competition for our limited attention, companies deploy finely tuned strategies to keep us locked in cycles of consumption–to maximize profits.
Social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok aren’t free–they’re ad networks designed to maximize our screen time to sell more targeted ads. YouTube’s Autoplay function encourages binge-watching by automatically playing videos tailored to users’ interests. Push notifications are precisely timed to interrupt and pull us back into app engagement, restarting the attention cycle.
The Attention Economy comes with a hidden cost.
AI-powered recommendations, curated content and personalized digital services may have enriched our lives–but there are heavy costs lurking beneath these digital conveniences. The gains of commodifying attention come with the losses of fragmenting ourselves in the process.
Eroded Personal Context
Beyond fuelling an addiction to dopamine-rich distractions, the attention economy is silently eroding the original beliefs, experiences and values that shape our perspectives and behaviors as individuals.
Our digital feeds are eclectic collages where the profound and trivial collide in the same space. A single scroll presents breaking political news, a motivational post, the latest viral TikTok dance and a funny cat meme all with the same weight.
This constant juxtaposition of themes without context wears away at our ability to deeply process information and discern its importance within a meaningful frame.
Digital Isolation
Simultaneously, hyper-personalization is isolating us in unique digital bubbles. Algorithmically tailored content means that everyone is scrolling through entirely different worlds.
Twenty years ago, people bonded over the same books, TV shows and music. Today, a husband and wife under one roof can inhabit two different realities shaped by their feeds.
This collapse of shared experiences—the foundation of meaningful relationships—creates a subtle but powerful disconnection. We are not just distracted; we are isolated.
This monotonous exposure to highly customized content also keeps us locked in an echo chamber of our own interests and perceptions, suppressing opportunities for growth.
Additionally, our dependence on the devices and platforms that allow us to participate in the attention economy scientifically alters our brain chemistry in ways that can lead to other mental health and well-being issues such as anxiety, impaired memory and the inability to focus and engage in deep work. Constant scrolling desensitizes the pleasure of frequent dopamine rushes, numbing us to our physical reality.
The exploitation of human attention as an economic resource, the violation of our privacy (by 3rd-parties using our data without our consent) and risks of authoritarian and surveillance regimes under large entities with access to our data are also significant ethical and socio-political issues of this attention economy.
Next Article
What is ‘Snackable Content’?
But you can reclaim your attention and use it wisely.
In this information overloaded digital age, intentional engagement–becoming more conscious of what we give our limited attention to–is paramount to remain grounded and in control of our lives and relationships.
Bridging the digital divide by asking colleagues, family and friends what recently caught their attention online can be an effective way to reintroduce a shared context and reconnect fragmented worlds.
Being fully present in the moment–whether that’s during a meeting, a family dinner or an outing with friends–is also a practical way to ground yourself in the here and now.
Most importantly, being intentional about what we choose to focus on transforms attention from a passive, exploitable commodity into an active tool for purposeful engagement that actually enriches our lives.
Here’s the way forward.
Despite its negative impacts, the attention economy isn’t all that bad. It has democratized voices, fueled creativity, and given us powerful tools for discovery. It can be a potential force for positive change and sustainable development–rerouting attention, time and money to causes, services and platforms that encourage environmentally and socially responsible behavior.
Left unchecked, however, it erodes the social fabric that gives our lives context and meaning, builds relationships and sustains communities.
Recognizing how the attention economy actually displaces our attention is crucial to reclaim our autonomy and individuality in an increasingly metaphysical world. As digital technologies become more immersive and emotionally resonant, experts believe that a major shift to an emerging intimacy economy is underway. The rise of emotionally intelligent AI therapists and chatbots fills a deep psychological void that attention just can’t buy or sell.
In the end, the attention economy is a crucial reminder that whatever we pay attention to eventually becomes our reality.
Related Articles
De Minimis Is Making Your International Orders More Expensive—Here’s Why.
