The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a high-profile workshop titled “The Attention Economy”, drawing attention to how major technology companies design platforms and services that capture and monetize children’s attention—often at the expense of their well-being. The workshop brings together policymakers, child psychologists, legal experts, educators, and industry stakeholders to investigate the ethical and societal impacts of Big Tech’s engagement strategies targeting young users.
At the heart of the discussion is a growing concern that digital platforms are engineered to exploit psychological vulnerabilities, particularly in children and teenagers, to maximize screen time and data collection. These practices, critics argue, can lead to addictive behaviors, compromised mental health, reduced focus in school, and increased exposure to harmful content.
During the event, the FTC is examining how algorithms, autoplay features, endless scroll mechanics, push notifications, and other engagement tools are deliberately designed to keep children online for longer periods. Speakers are also spotlighting how data-driven advertising models often hinge on sustained interaction, raising questions about how children’s attention has become a commodity in today’s digital economy.
The workshop serves as a platform for both expert testimony and public feedback. Parents and child advocacy groups have shared real-world stories of how tech platforms influence family dynamics and behavioral development. Some speakers have called for stronger regulations, such as limiting algorithmic targeting of minors, enhancing parental controls, and increasing transparency around how platforms measure and manipulate attention.
In response, representatives from tech companies attending the workshop have emphasized efforts to introduce youth-focused safety features, like screen time dashboards and content filters. However, critics argue that many of these solutions are reactive rather than preventative and do little to address the core design strategies that keep children hooked.
FTC Chair Lina Khan opened the session by stressing that “business models that rely on capturing and holding children’s attention deserve deep scrutiny,” suggesting potential enforcement or policy shifts may follow. The agency has made it clear that the workshop is part of a broader initiative to explore how commercial interests in the digital world intersect with child protection laws and consumer rights.
As the FTC continues its investigation, the workshop is expected to lay the groundwork for future legislative proposals and regulatory action, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over tech accountability in children’s digital lives.
