Social Media's 'Surprise Symphony': A President of Arte Reveals a Startling Truth

Social Media's 'Surprise Symphony': How Platforms Mimic Classical Music to Keep Us Hooked Paris, France – June 8, 2025 – A recent Numerama video interview with Bruno Patino, president of Arte, reveals a surprising parallel between classical music and the design of social media platforms. Patino draws a compelling comparison to Joseph Haydn's "Surprise Symphony," where a sudden cymbal crash jolts the audience awake. "Social media platforms, like Haydn, constantly seek to grab our attention," Patino explains, "They create a 'cymbal effect' to keep us engaged and coming back for more." The interview highlights the deliberate strategies employed by social media to maintain user engagement. The constant stream of notifications, trending topics, and visually stimulating content serves a similar purpose to Haydn's unexpected musical interjections. The video explores the ethical implications of these attention-grabbing techniques, prompting reflection on the addictive nature of social media and its impact on our daily lives. Patino's insights provide a fresh perspective on the underlying mechanisms that drive our interaction with online platforms. The video concludes by urging viewers to consider the ways in which social media platforms subtly manipulate our attention. It encourages a more mindful approach to our online interactions, promoting a healthier relationship with technology.