I think the biggest issue for me has to do with the fact that, being really into technology, advertisement has taken the form of "reviews", "previous" and so on

I think the biggest issue for me has to do with the fact that, being really into technology, advertisement has taken the form of "reviews", "previous" and so on. Although I block both ads and sponsored content (with sponsorblock) it's still impossible to escape the recommendation algorithms that just show me all the new and exciting things the market is coming up with. And this doesn't just go for technology, it's everywhere, from plants to books to phones to fountain pens. The line is completely blurred. Though it is easiest to see in tech because every tech youtuber out there is doing "non paid reviews" but what are these if not just advertisement? They get the products for free just to show them off, and it's bonanza for everyone... well, everyone but the consumer. The most critical situation for me is that in this age, if you have a little bit of money, there's always a right product fit for you. Sure, I might not be willing to spend the 1400 dollars of this top-of-the-line smartphone but hey, here's a very similar alternative for just half the price; it's chinese but you can always get around some of the drawbacks with a bit of knowledge, now, that's exciting. It's difficult because I really enjoy technology, ultimately, I'm a weak person with a tendency to overspend; but I've realized the grand majority of tech "reviews" out there are nothing but giving you a list of specs on a nicely presented package. What do they add, really? I mean, they barely get to use these products at all! A nice review requires time, but when time has passed then the new product is already out. It's an extremely fast paced cycle that leaves everyone behind and it's all fueled by advertisement. Though there are some reviewers out there that really do a good job and give good information; when I was trying to buy a robot vacuum cleaner there was plenty of really high quality reviews of them. It's become really difficult to separate between people giving valuable information and people just trying to create a need to consume in you.