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In general I consider ads to be unethical cognitive burden. You don't even have to go that far. They're attempted fraud. They are by and large lies intended to

by causi 4y ago

In general I consider ads to be unethical cognitive burden. You don't even have to go that far. They're attempted fraud. They are by and large lies intended to trick you into giving someone money.

onlyrealcuzzo 4y ago
Ads in general? Or specifically online ads? Or specifically online ads that use cookie tracking?
- behnamoh 4y ago
  imo ads - online or offline - are fine, but the internet has enabled advertisers to use so many shady tricks to milk more data (and money) out of consumers. I’m completely desensitized to ads and know people who won’t click on ads at all. I wonder how effective ads are then.
ISL 4y ago
Many ads simply generate awareness: "Need a plumber in $TOWN? Call $TOWN Plumbers at 555-1212." Others simply advocate for a cause: "Vote Yes on $TOWN Proposition #4!" Ads like those above do add cognitive burden, but they can provide utility to a community and are demonstrably neither fraud nor lies.
- Cilvic 4y ago
  I understand you made your point in good faith and I appreciate that you made me think about the difference between GP "lie" and "creating awareness". Nevertheless, I believe that giving the awareness part a free pass, can be a slippery slope. I didn't want to think about plumbing or the Proposition 4 or plastic surgery. So unless I search for either of those two I feel it's an intrusion to force those thoughts on me.
  - nybble41 4y ago
    The "lie" is the unstated implication that doing these things the ads recommend will serve your own interests, and not just the interests of the advertisers. "Creating awareness" would be handing out unsolicited facts with a neutral point of view. Most ads are more in the nature of unsolicited and manipulative advice from someone who does not have your best interest in mind.
    - causi 4y ago
      Exactly. Most advertising is at least as malicious as someone walking up to you and saying "give me five dollars."

by causi 4y ago

In general I consider ads to be unethical cognitive burden. You don't even have to go that far. They're attempted fraud. They are by and large lies intended to trick you into giving someone money.

onlyrealcuzzo 4y ago

Ads in general? Or specifically online ads? Or specifically online ads that use cookie tracking?

behnamoh 4y ago
imo ads - online or offline - are fine, but the internet has enabled advertisers to use so many shady tricks to milk more data (and money) out of consumers. I’m completely desensitized to ads and know people who won’t click on ads at all. I wonder how effective ads are then.

ISL 4y ago

Many ads simply generate awareness: "Need a plumber in $TOWN? Call $TOWN Plumbers at 555-1212." Others simply advocate for a cause: "Vote Yes on $TOWN Proposition #4!" Ads like those above do add cognitive burden, but they can provide utility to a community and are demonstrably neither fraud nor lies.

Cilvic 4y ago
I understand you made your point in good faith and I appreciate that you made me think about the difference between GP "lie" and "creating awareness". Nevertheless, I believe that giving the awareness part a free pass, can be a slippery slope. I didn't want to think about plumbing or the Proposition 4 or plastic surgery. So unless I search for either of those two I feel it's an intrusion to force those thoughts on me.
- nybble41 4y ago
  The "lie" is the unstated implication that doing these things the ads recommend will serve your own interests, and not just the interests of the advertisers. "Creating awareness" would be handing out unsolicited facts with a neutral point of view. Most ads are more in the nature of unsolicited and manipulative advice from someone who does not have your best interest in mind.
  - causi 4y ago
    Exactly. Most advertising is at least as malicious as someone walking up to you and saying "give me five dollars."