The World Beyond Your Head

Crawford discusses the concept of “ecologies of attention” to describe how the environments we inhabit shape and influence our attentional focus. Crawford argues that our attention is not only a personal cognitive function but also a resource that interacts with and is molded by our surrounding environment, which he terms an “ecology.” This concept emphasizes that our ability to focus and what we focus on are significantly determined by the nature of our environments—both physical and social. These ecologies of attention can either support or hinder our mental processes based on their design and the types of activities they encourage or discourage. Crawford uses the term to critique modern life, where technological and commercial interests often design environments that capture and commercialize our attention, rather than support our individual cognitive and moral needs. He suggests that by understanding and reshaping these ecologies, we can better protect and manage our attention in a world full of distractions.

Crawford discusses “skilled practices” as crucial for both understanding human engagement with the world and cultivating individual autonomy against the backdrop of a distracting environment. Crawford emphasizes that engaging in skilled practices—such as carpentry, motorcycle repair, or playing a musical instrument—anchors individuals in reality and demands sustained attention and precision. These practices require interacting with the physical world and responding to its particularities, which contrasts sharply with the abstract and often distracting demands of modern technological and consumer culture. Crawford argues that such practices provide a counterpoint to the fragmenting effects of contemporary life, offering a path to reclaim focused attention and develop a coherent sense of self. Skilled practices involve not just the execution of tasks but also the development of a deep attunement to the materials and demands of the task at hand, promoting what Crawford refers to as an “ecology of attention,” where one’s environment supports sustained and meaningful focus.

Crawford introduces the concept of “social engineering” to address the subtle ways in which environments and systems are designed to manipulate individual behavior and choices without overt coercion. Crawford argues that contemporary society has developed a range of techniques and technologies that shape our preferences, responses, and even identities. These manipulations are often disguised as conveniences or necessities, making it challenging for individuals to recognize the influence on their autonomy. He cites examples such as targeted advertisements, optimized user interfaces, and social media algorithms that nudge user behavior in subtle but powerful ways. According to Crawford, this manipulation results in a form of heteronomy where individuals are subject to external controls hidden within the very tools and environments they interact with daily. He uses this term to highlight a contemporary crisis where human beings are increasingly alienated from their authentic desires and manipulated into behaviors that undermine their well-being and autonomy.