4 ms·

In you example it's obvious what is happening. On the web, it's not.

• jimmydorry 7y ago
  Both are kind of creepy though. It's a meaningless and lazy descriptor in the way it's currently being (ab)used.
  • viklove 7y ago
    The real world example would only be creepy if the cashier was keeping detailed notes of what you bought, and suggesting related products the next time you visited the store. It's not creepy because the vast majority of cashiers don't do that. The online example is creepy because almost all vendors are doing this, and even worse, they're sharing the data with each other to build detailed customer profiles so they can sell you more products. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2012/02/16/how-target-figured-out-a-teen-girl-was-pregnant-before-her-father-did/#136f73c26668 https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2012/02/16/how-targ...
    • true_religion 7y ago
      You are basically relying on the cashiers poor memory to stop them from recognizing you. If you live in a small town, or even just an efficient city that sees you going to the same store often, people will recognize you.