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Somewhere along the way, ad networks got incredibly greedy (I know, gasp). I remember when I was much younger, there were banner ads on a bunch of pages (and p
by jsgo 7y ago
Somewhere along the way, ad networks got incredibly greedy (I know, gasp).
I remember when I was much younger, there were banner ads on a bunch of pages (and pop-ups/pop-unders of varying levels of frustration). The banner ads were fine even when we were rocking 56k internet: not beloved by any stretch, but typically reasonably okay.
I have previously toyed with ad blockers, but at a certain point stopped, figured I'd play nice or whatever. Then there were sites that over time legitimately ate into computer resources to the point they were eating way more energy than reasonable (I can't remember which one, but there was one that if I left the site open long enough, it'd crash all open tabs). At that stage, I went back to ad blockers. I really wish it didn't come to it, but man, that whole "give somebody an inch and they'll take a mile" is in full display online now.
- reaperducer 7y agoI think "Punch the monkey" was the tipping point.
- dredmorbius 7y agoFor the curious: "punch the monkey" online scam explanation: http://www.mikeonads.com/2007/03/01/punch-the-monkey/ http://www.mikeonads.com/2007/03/01/punch-the-monkey/
- abdullahkhalids 7y agoThe energy usage and slow down of your computer are relatively minor concerns when it comes to ads. The real problem is that ads use every dark pattern in the book to influence your beliefs and decisions, effectively taking over your very valuable brain cycles. I think as this conversation evolves, we will find that there is an additional human right, the right for others to not use undue force to influence your mind. This whole battle is ultimately one to secure this right.
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- m3rc 7y agoEnergy usage may be not that high, but data usage, especially on mobile devices, is very high. Even on my home network something insane like 30% of packets sent and received are ad or tracking related, which I know because they all get blocked by the PiHole sitting next to the router. Choosing to block ads literally makes my browsing go faster, and keeps my data limits from being blown out. AND it prevents fingerprinting of my habits? It's a complete no-brainer.
- dingo_bat 7y agoNote that data usage on mobiles directly corresponds with energy usage.
- wasdfff 7y agoAcross the world ads waste a great deal of energy. They are pollution, like mining bitcoin.
- JohnJamesRambo 7y agoIt’s odd you hate ads taking your privacy but don’t mind your bank and government doing so with your money.
- abdullahkhalids 7y agoPrivacy is a human right. Not having to pay various institutions in society for services they provide is not a human right.
- erikpukinskis 7y agoHuh? Why would I give an hour of battery life away for no benefit? Battery life is a huge concern. Also page load speed. I am having a hard time processing your comment: I should slow down my computer and decrease the battery life because why? Other people can’t be arsed to care if their ads screw up my experience?
- desc 7y agoAdvertising generally: I guess it's necessary. Personalised ads, tracking, etc: Criminalise it. By which I mean, after a cooling-off period, jail people still pushing it.