> You mention that you hear about most things through social channels. What are the chances those channels found out about those products through ads? I hadn't

> You mention that you hear about most things through social channels. What are the chances those channels found out about those products through ads? I hadn't considered a sort of diffusion process for ad reach, and it's an intriguing point. I can't recall a specific instance of this, although I would actually be surprised if it hasn't happened. My immediate social circle of friends and colleagues is similar to me, but even several degrees of separation out I could see a relevant product percolating through my extended network and reaching me by word of mouth. > I don't necessarily see ads as a bad thing I don't view them as inherently bad in theory, but my experience is almost never positive. Mass market ads feel like a drain on my time and attention without benefit. On the other hand, targeted and relevant ads will be paid for with my personal data, which carries risk to my privacy. Neither side of that trade-off is attractive. The time I do appreciate ads is when I'm shopping or getting offers from a merchant I've done business with, which of course excludes a large number of offerings I would and wouldn't be interested in.