Why Do People Who Have Money Get More Attention?
Why Do People Who Have Money Get More Attention? The psychology, bias, and media dynamics behind wealth’s spotlight—and what this reveals about human nature Framing the Question Why do wealthy people’s words carry more weight than the rest of ours—sometimes even in areas where they have no expertise? From tech moguls giving health advice to athletes weighing in on economic policy, money often seems to serve as an all-access pass to public credibility. This isn’t just cultural conditioning—it’s the product of deep evolutionary wiring, social bias, and the mechanics of the modern attention economy. Understanding why money commands attention helps us spot when we’re hearing wisdom—and when we’re just hearing a wallet talk. The Paradox of Financial Wisdom When Elizabeth Holmes was worth $4.5 billion on paper, her every comment about healthcare innovation was treated like gospel. After her fraud conviction, when her net worth fell to zero, those same ideas suddenly seemed ...