Ads are fine in a certain, very limited scope. For example, the newspaper, back when it held a prominent role in society, had an "ads" section. You could go dir

Ads are fine in a certain, very limited scope. For example, the newspaper, back when it held a prominent role in society, had an "ads" section. You could go directly to it to "discover new products" Whether or not we want to admit it or not, we've all had a a product we have bought as a result of advertising that has provided us a good amount of value/joy/utility. There is clearly some utility for society in companies, especially newer ones, being able to reach new audiences, especially if they are making good products/trying to do it in a more sustainable way/changing the status quo in some net positive way. You can't rely on just word of mouth alone.