Understanding Capitalism v6.9 — Understanding Attention Economy Instability and Coherence Extraction Dynamics —

Author: Y. Seo (@momotarou / Japan)Role: Metanist — Human × AI Understanding ArchitectAI Collaboration: AI Understanding SupportORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7669-0612 Abstract This paper introduces the framework of Understanding Attention Economy Instability, extending Understanding Decision Fatigue Structures by examining how attention-centered economic systems generate structural coherence degradation and systemic instability. While attention economies are typically modeled as efficiency-maximizing information allocation mechanisms, the proposed framework argues that persistent attention extraction regimes may undermine coherence stability, distort interpretive continuity, and accelerate understanding-capital depletion. Attention is not merely a market commodity. It is a coherence-critical resource. 1. The Rise of Attention-Centered Systems Modern digital environments increasingly operate through: Continuous engagement optimization Signal amplification competition Notification-driven interaction cycles Behavioral capture architectures Extraction becomes systemic. 2. Defining Attention Economy Instability Understanding Attention Economy Instability refers to: Structural instability arising when economic systems prioritize attention capture over coherence preservation and understanding sustainability. Optimization objectives reshape cognition. 3. Coherence Extraction Dynamics Attention extraction pressures produce: Context switching acceleration Interpretive discontinuity Cognitive recovery suppression Coherence fragmentation Instability is structurally induced. 4. Self-Amplifying Instability Loops Extraction systems may generate feedback loops where: Signal density increases Cognitive load accumulates Decision fatigue intensifies Coherence stability weakens Instability compounds endogenously. 5. AI Systems and Extraction Intensification AI systems may accelerate extraction dynamics by: Increasing content generation velocity Personalizing engagement triggers Amplifying signal diversity Compressing attention recovery intervals Efficiency gains may mask systemic strain. 6. Economic and Civilizational Implications Persistent attention economy instability may affect: Market stability, governance coherence, institutional durability, and social synchronization capacity. Instability migrates across layers. Conclusion Understanding Attention Economy Instability reframes attention not as a passive commodity but as a coherence-critical resource shaping systemic resilience. Future economic and technological systems may require architectures limiting destructive extraction dynamics and preserving understanding-capital regeneration cycles. ※ Series Declaration This work is part of the Understanding Capitalism series. The series explores value formation, cognitive mediation, and structural transformations of economic perception.