Neuroethics, Biocapital and the Attention Economy in the Times of Generative AI and Human–Machine Teaming

This short paper will argue that one of the most pressing issues related to the attention economy is the subjugation of cognitive capacity to conditions of neuro-capitalism, including through psychological discipline, biopolitically-weaponized mindfulness, and transhumanist interventions. In so doing, it will also consider how traditional concepts of the human fail to account for the myriad ways humans interact with technologies that may enhance or diminish their capacity to contribute to, and participate in, the attention economy. Collectively, these issues highlight an ethical obligation for those working within neuroscience to consider the biopolitical implications of their work within the capitalist paradigm of work intensification and cognitive optimization. Using the example of generative AI tools in the workplace, the paper will conclude that such innovations fall within the scope of cognitive enhancements when considered within the attention economy, where offloading cognitive load onto technology represents a productivity shortcut designed to extract more value from the human mind through human-machine teaming.