Monetized Attention: Overconsumption to Burnout with Zero Interaction

We’re not just distracted—we’re being depleted. The average American adult spends over 7 hours a day on screens (Statista 2023), and more than 45% of that is passive scrolling. The result is a paradox: constant stimulation with zero interaction. This paper frames this epidemic through the lens of symbolic systems and cognitive neuroscience, introducing the Symbolic Cognitive Awareness Model (SCAM). We present models and interventions that empower individuals to reclaim mental sovereignty, integrating data-heavy insight, identity psychology, and digital behavior trends. Our goal: not to reject modern life but to live it with agency, clarity, and care.