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Overcoming Ultra-Processed Information

How Slow Culture Can Help Us Thrive in the Attention Economy

Allan Johnson, PhD
16 min readJan 17, 2025
Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

Much like the flood of empty calories from ultra-processed foods — cheese puffs, energy drinks, and microwavable lasagna — what I term ultra-processed information (UPI) bombards us with a constant stream of content that lacks the depth and substance once associated with true knowledge. Both ultra-processed foods and ultra-processed information are engineered for convenience and immediate gratification, stripping away the richness and nuance of their more natural counterparts. What we now consume — whether in the form of bite-sized news clips, sensational headlines, or algorithmic echo chambers — prioritises speed, accessibility, and engagement over thoughtful analysis. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube thrive on the algorithms that amplify content capable of evoking quick, often visceral reactions, pushing users to engage in a cycle of clicks, comments, and shares. These platforms succeed not because they deliver meaningful content, but because they have mastered the art of presenting information that feels gratifying in the moment, yet remains devoid of the intellectual substance that fosters real, lasting insight.

While the hyper-availability of information democratises access, offering a wealth of knowledge once unfathomable, it…

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Allan Johnson, PhD
Allan Johnson, PhD

Written by Allan Johnson, PhD

Integrative Coach | Mindfulness Teacher | Academic | Books with Palgrave and Bloomsbury

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