How is that any different from a billboard, or a person suggesting you try a new food? The only difference is that you're calling the web ads automated, which

How is that any different from a billboard, or a person suggesting you try a new food? The only difference is that you're calling the web ads automated, which isn't always true (especially in the context were discussing, which is non-personalized ads), and not clearly distinct. Why is an algorithm on a computer vying for your attention worse than an algorithm used to place billboard ads? They're all vying for your attention in a way you didn't explicitly request. The idea that internet ads are somehow different, and not just {better/worse/more effective depending on your perspective} doesn't follow for me.