One of my weirdest behaviors these days revolves around Instagram. I have a like/hate relationship with social media. On one hand, social media allows me to connect with folks like you and share ideas I nerd out about, like the science of positive emotions. My wife and I lie in bed on Sunday mornings and show each other funny reels until we are giddy laughing.

But I despise how these apps are designed for addiction: I find myself compulsively and mindlessly checking, refreshing, and jumping from platform to platform. I'll check my phone only to find myself 10 minutes later on Reddit (Why did I pick up my phone to begin with?).

Thus, my weird behavior: I download Instagram once a week, check and respond to messages, then immediately delete the app off my phone until the next week.

That's the level of restriction needed so I don't fall into Big Tech's attention-consuming tentacles. As much as I hate how effective modern media is at stealing attention, the truth is just that: They are really good at stealing our attention. Here's an ironic idea:

Teachers need to be more like Big Tech to engage student attention

We’re already competing with Big Tech's attention-snatching playbook. Every lesson, every day. When it comes to the attention economy, we can get bitter or we can get better. We need to steal their same techniques for grabbing attention, but route it toward healthier, more productive things that improve learning. Best yet, we can use these techniques without technology.

How? The Anticipation Effect.

One of the most powerful ways media companies capture and hold our attention is with anticipation.

That's the focus of my latest column in Educational Leadership. How do media companies use The Anticipation Effect to engage attention? What are some classroom equivalents we can infuse into any lesson?

Give it a read and think about how you can put one of these strategies into your next lesson.

Want to go nerdier and more pragmatic? Join me on July 14th!

I'm going deeper into strategies like The Anticipation Effect in my upcoming public workshop. Click the image below to join me!

Thanks, as always, for being a part of this Affective Community. Now, delete all your social media and go for a walk (just kidding...kind of).

Your nerd next door,

Chase Mielke