This fall, a new generation of students will arrive on the campuses of Black Institutions of Higher Education (BIHE), entering a unique and complex historical moment. The current political climate, marked by a renewed assault on higher education and efforts to dismantle diversity-focused initiatives, coincides with a surge in interest in BIHEs. As news articles highlight a renewed desire for Black students to attend these institutions, a critical question arises: What will their experience be, and how can BIHEs best prepare them for the challenges of our time?
Dr. Joseph L. Jones
Political Economy of Attention is a framework for understanding how attention, a limited human resource, is managed, commodified, and manipulated within a socio-political context, especially in the digital age. In essence, it examines how power, governance, and economic interests influence what people pay attention to and, in turn, how this shapes public opinion, political behavior, and social values.
For example, social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement by capturing and holding a user’s attention. This can lead to echo chambers, the spread of misinformation, and a decline in critical thinking, all of which have significant political and educational consequences. Therefore, the political economy of attention is about how the competition for our mental focus shapes our worldview and the way we govern ourselves.
In this new political economy of attention, apps like TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Fizz craft insular worlds that often discourage deep thinking, meaningful social interaction, and personal development.
In the past, college students were introduced to the world of knowledge through books, debates on grand issues, and the careful cultivation of critical thinking. This process helped them discern what was legitimate and factual. Today, many students struggle to read an entire book, formulate a thought without the help of AI, or hold extended conversations with their peers or adults. This over-reliance on digital tools and curated content contributes to a sense of isolation and depression, as genuine communal bonds are not being formed in the physical world.
BIHE’s have always claimed to excel at fostering a sense of belonging and nurturing a strong sense of identity in our students. We provide authentic role models who understand and validate the experiences of Black people, offering pathways to aspiration and success. The ability to be seen authentically, heard expressively, and embraced culturally is a hallmark of the BIHE experience.
