Modeling individual attention dynamics on online social media

TL;DR

This paper presents a simple analytical model of individual attention decay on social media, validated with Reddit data, revealing that attention decay depends on interaction duration rather than frequency or activity.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel, analytically tractable model of attention decay that emphasizes interaction duration, supported by empirical validation on Reddit data.

Findings

Attention decay is primarily influenced by total interaction duration.

The model accurately predicts user engagement decline over time.

Empirical data from Reddit supports the model's assumptions.

Abstract

In the attention economy, understanding how individuals manage limited attention is critical. We introduce a simple model describing the decay of a user's engagement when facing multiple inputs. We analytically show that individual attention decay is determined by the overall duration of interactions, not their number or user activity. Our model is validated using data from Reddit's Change My View subreddit, where the user's attention dynamics is explicitly traceable. Despite its simplicity, our model offers a crucial microscopic perspective complementing macroscopic studies.