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Ads are not just data gathering, but behavior nudging as well. Directing people on what to do could be more valuable than actually selling goods, in aggregate.
by hrktb 6y ago
Ads are not just data gathering, but behavior nudging as well.
Directing people on what to do could be more valuable than actually selling goods, in aggregate. In particular when their actions have long term ramifications (e.g. politics)
- srtjstjsj 6y agoIn aggregate, that's only true if the directors are directing people to do things that lead to more money being paid to the directors, which is via shopping or I guess slavery (wage cuts?).
- hrktb 6y agoRegarding elections, that would be gaining, or staying in power. In other ways it could be for insurance or other intangible services that scale well but need to be perceived as somewhat valuable. Even in cases where you still use goods to capture money, you can price the goods higher through changing buyer’s perception of value. In a way ads can bring you money from thin air if they are effective enough.
- netcan 6y agoThis is only just the beginning. Think credit scores, but lot more far reaching. EG qualifying people for jobs, school entry and such.
- stainforth 6y agoIf that's the case, then advertisement is anti-competitive and thus must be regulated as it violates the economic theory we've all agreed upon. I thought we were told we were all independent consumers making our own choices.