Remember When All Companies Wanted Was Your Money

That used to be the deal. You paid. They left you alone. Now money isn’t enough.

Now they want your attention.

Your opinion.

Your alignment.

Your reaction.

Your data.

Your public affirmation in the form of a five-star review you didn’t plan to write.

They want every waking moment that hasn’t been monetized yet.

And if this feels like a lot, it’s because we’re still early.

2026 is an election year.

AI is about to help companies and campaigns find the last quiet corners of your day and label them “missed opportunity.”

So when does this end?

No one seems eager to answer that.

People aren’t exhausted because they lack discipline.

They’re exhausted because the asking never stops.

Every app wants engagement.

Every brand wants personality.

Every cause wants loyalty.

Even silence now reads as something to be fixed.

And the smallest example says it all:

“Are you enjoying this app?”

You tap yes.

Now you’re being asked to rate it, review it, recommend it, and defend your enthusiasm.

That’s the world we’re living in.

(Yes, I’m aware this post is also asking for your attention. Welcome to the problem.)

So for 2026, it’s enough to keep the resolution simple.

Stay sane.

Close the pop-up.

Say no without explanation.

Protect the parts of your day that don’t need an audience.

Because in a world that no longer settles for your money and now wants you,

the most quietly radical act left

is deciding what doesn’t get access.