We can all agree: ads are getting a tad stalker-y these days. Let’s say you’re looking to buy a new bathing suit. Peruse a few sites, look at a few options, and the next thing you know that bathing suit is following you around the Internet. It’s in your inbox, popping up in your social media feeds and making appearances on the websites you visit. Order the item or not—it doesn’t really matter. The ads persist, until you look at something else—and a new stalker takes its place.
Marketing professionals call this “personalization,” a strategy that leverages a potential customer’s buying habits, interests and demographics to serve up ads that are tailored to what they are interested in—and spending money on—right now. “More than three-quarters of consumers prefer personalized items or personalized options in their feed, as opposed to non-personalized,” says Jen Park, assistant professor of marketing and behavioural science at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. “So we know consumers like that.”
Here’s how it works: the customer enters a website, where cookies track them. Then businesses purchase ads that show them the product again … and again. “We live in a very busy world where consumers are getting bombarded with thousands of sales pitches per day. As consumers, we’ve gotten really good at filtering these pitches out,” says Rebecca Coleman, a marketer and instructor of social media marketing at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. She explains that, on average, a customer interacts with a brand eight times before a sale, which is why businesses attempt again and again to capture your attention. “It sounds kind of creepy, but it’s actually quite effective.”
Peter Pernot-Day, head of strategic and corporate affairs for North America and Europe at fashion juggernaut Shein, says there is value to targeted ads. “The idea is to try to understand who our customers are, what they’re interested in and what they resonate with, so we can tailor both our clothing and our advertising content to those needs,” he explains. “That’s one of the powers of social media. It allows us to have insights into what our customers are actually thinking, doing and want to see.”
The bottom line is that all these marketing efforts work—and well. “Algorithms and personalized marketing is hugely successful,” says Park, adding that the reason for this is, in part, because customers are so bombarded by ads that they “don’t have the bandwidth to [decipher whether] ‘is this an item that I really need at this point?’” And as overconsumption surpasses overpopulation as the greatest driver of the planet’s eco-crisis, it’s safe to say that these marketing strategies have a larger impact.
We are consuming at a breakneck pace, and the planet is paying the price. The UN warns of the threat of overconsumption and its contribution to what the organization calls the “triple planetary threat” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Other organizations, too, are sounding the alarm. Population Media Center, whose aim is to build a healthier, more equitable and flourishing world through storytelling, states: “Aggressive marketing campaigns that promote conspicuous consumption fuel societal norms centered around materialism, driving individuals to consume beyond their actual needs.” It’s one factor (of many) that explains why, as per Earth Overshoot Day—which annually marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year—eight months into the year, we will have depleted a year’s worth of the planet’s resources.
The antidote to overconsumption, of course, is to consume less. And if being stalked by potential purchases online isn’t going to help keep that credit card sheathed, there are a few things you can do. First, Canada has anti-spam laws in place that make it easier to defend against stalker ads—although the protections are flimsy. “It just requires anyone sending out these marketing emails to have people’s consent,” says Park. “And the definition of consent is very blurry.” She recommends taking the time to hit the “unsubscribe” button on marketing emails and cautions against sites that don’t give you a chance to reject cookies. “It’s just not worth it to browse through these websites that use suspicious and vague wording for how your data is going to be used.”
When federal protections aren’t cutting it, web browsers can pick up the slack. “A few years ago, Apple started giving its users more control over how websites could track cookies,” Coleman says. “You can now ask your phone and your Safari browser ‘not to track’ cookies, and that makes it difficult to retarget ads to those customers.” Soon, she says, Google’s browser will follow suit—watch for that.
“We are living in strange times where we are getting bombarded. We feel like we’re used to it, but I feel like the bubble is going to burst very soon,” Park commiserates. “As soon as we have more regulation, as soon as we find more green practices, these annoying emails should be stopped.” —Jill von Sprecken
share:
January 22nd, 2025 at 2:52 am
Mexican Easy Pharm: Mexican Easy Pharm – Mexican Easy Pharm
January 25th, 2025 at 1:28 am
https://kamapharm.shop/# Kama Pharm
prednisone ordering online
January 25th, 2025 at 5:36 pm
https://semapharm24.com/# semaglutide tablets store
prednisone online india
January 26th, 2025 at 10:47 pm
http://cytpharm.com/# Cyt Pharm
prednisone best prices
January 27th, 2025 at 6:13 am
http://predpharm.com/# prednisone best prices
order prednisone
January 28th, 2025 at 6:57 am
https://farmasilditaly.com/# miglior sito per comprare viagra online
farmacia online
January 30th, 2025 at 7:04 pm
п»їFarmacia online migliore: Farm Tadal Italy – farmacie online affidabili
top farmacia online
January 30th, 2025 at 10:27 pm
Casino promotions draw in new players frequently.: taya777.icu – taya777 register login
January 31st, 2025 at 1:07 am
A variety of gaming options cater to everyone. https://jugabet.xyz/# Las promociones atraen nuevos jugadores diariamente.
January 31st, 2025 at 3:12 am
Resorts provide both gaming and relaxation options.: phmacao com login – phmacao com login
January 31st, 2025 at 6:08 am
Live music events often accompany gaming nights. https://phmacao.life/# Slot machines feature various exciting themes.
January 31st, 2025 at 8:05 am
Visitors come from around the world to play.: phmacao club – phmacao com login
January 31st, 2025 at 11:03 am
High rollers receive exclusive treatment and bonuses. http://winchile.pro/# п»їLos casinos en Chile son muy populares.
January 31st, 2025 at 3:45 pm
Many casinos host charity events and fundraisers. http://taya365.art/# Online gaming is also growing in popularity.
January 31st, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Some casinos feature themed gaming areas.: phmacao club – phmacao
January 31st, 2025 at 8:26 pm
Many casinos offer luxurious amenities and services. http://phtaya.tech/# Live music events often accompany gaming nights.
January 31st, 2025 at 10:07 pm
La pasiГіn por el juego une a personas.: winchile – winchile casino
February 1st, 2025 at 1:08 am
Cashless gaming options are becoming popular. http://taya777.icu/# The Philippines has a vibrant nightlife scene.
February 1st, 2025 at 2:47 am
Live music events often accompany gaming nights.: taya365 – taya365
February 1st, 2025 at 5:55 am
Gambling regulations are strictly enforced in casinos. https://phtaya.tech/# Some casinos feature themed gaming areas.
February 1st, 2025 at 7:29 am
Poker rooms host exciting tournaments regularly.: phmacao.life – phmacao com login
February 1st, 2025 at 10:43 am
The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts. http://taya777.icu/# Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.
February 1st, 2025 at 12:15 pm
Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.: taya365 com login – taya365.art
February 1st, 2025 at 3:33 pm
Casino visits are a popular tourist attraction. http://jugabet.xyz/# Los jugadores deben jugar con responsabilidad.
February 1st, 2025 at 5:05 pm
Gambling regulations are strictly enforced in casinos.: taya365 com login – taya365 com login
February 1st, 2025 at 8:43 pm
Most casinos offer convenient transportation options. https://phmacao.life/# Entertainment shows are common in casinos.
February 1st, 2025 at 10:19 pm
Casinos offer delicious dining options on-site.: taya365 com login – taya365.art
February 2nd, 2025 at 1:34 am
http://taya777.icu/# Manila is home to many large casinos.
Many casinos have beautiful ocean views.
February 2nd, 2025 at 3:17 am
Los casinos celebran festivales de juego anualmente.: jugabet casino – jugabet
February 2nd, 2025 at 8:09 am
Entertainment shows are common in casinos.: phtaya.tech – phtaya.tech
February 2nd, 2025 at 10:27 am
winchile casino [url=http://winchile.pro/#]winchile casino[/url] La mayorГa acepta monedas locales y extranjeras.
February 2nd, 2025 at 6:09 pm
Los croupiers son amables y profesionales.: jugabet chile – jugabet
February 3rd, 2025 at 3:23 am
Online gaming is also growing in popularity. https://taya777.icu/# Casino promotions draw in new players frequently.
February 3rd, 2025 at 4:33 am
Casino visits are a popular tourist attraction.: taya777 login – taya777 app
February 3rd, 2025 at 2:18 pm
The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts. https://taya777.icu/# Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.
February 3rd, 2025 at 2:42 pm
Las mГЎquinas tienen diferentes niveles de apuesta.: jugabet chile – jugabet
February 3rd, 2025 at 7:39 pm
Slot machines attract players with big jackpots.: taya365 com login – taya365 login
February 4th, 2025 at 12:39 am
The poker community is very active here.: phtaya – phtaya login
February 4th, 2025 at 4:41 am
discount drug mart: discount drug mart pharmacy – discount drug pharmacy
February 4th, 2025 at 8:46 am
canadian pharmacy world coupon https://easycanadianpharm.shop/# canadian pharmacy 24 com
February 4th, 2025 at 9:41 am
discount drug mart pharmacy: discount drug mart – canada pharmacy not requiring prescription
February 4th, 2025 at 1:43 pm
no prescription needed pharmacy https://megaindiapharm.shop/# Mega India Pharm
February 4th, 2025 at 2:29 pm
cheapest pharmacy prescription drugs: online pharmacy delivery usa – family pharmacy
February 4th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
reputable online pharmacy no prescription https://discountdrugmart.pro/# discount drug pharmacy
February 5th, 2025 at 12:45 am
non prescription medicine pharmacy https://familypharmacy.company/# Cheapest online pharmacy
February 5th, 2025 at 5:04 am
cheapest pharmacy to fill prescriptions without insurance https://megaindiapharm.com/# indian pharmacy
February 5th, 2025 at 6:43 am
pharmacy coupons https://easycanadianpharm.com/# canadian king pharmacy
February 5th, 2025 at 8:46 am
best online pharmacy no prescription [url=https://familypharmacy.company/#]online pharmacy delivery usa[/url] Best online pharmacy
February 5th, 2025 at 12:38 pm
cheapest pharmacy for prescription drugs https://discountdrugmart.pro/# drugmart
February 5th, 2025 at 1:06 pm
MegaIndiaPharm: MegaIndiaPharm – MegaIndiaPharm
February 5th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
MegaIndiaPharm: india online pharmacy – Online medicine order
February 6th, 2025 at 6:39 am
canadian pharmacy coupon code http://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa
February 6th, 2025 at 6:52 am
mexican drugstore online: xxl mexican pharm – xxl mexican pharm
February 6th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
legal online pharmacy coupon code http://easycanadianpharm.com/# easy canadian pharm
February 6th, 2025 at 2:50 pm
no prescription needed canadian pharmacy https://xxlmexicanpharm.shop/# pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa
February 6th, 2025 at 6:31 pm
cheapest pharmacy for prescription drugs https://familypharmacy.company/# Cheapest online pharmacy
February 6th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
indian pharmacies safe: Mega India Pharm – reputable indian pharmacies
February 7th, 2025 at 12:04 am
canadian pharmacy discount code https://easycanadianpharm.com/# easy canadian pharm
February 7th, 2025 at 5:50 am
cheapest pharmacy to get prescriptions filled https://easycanadianpharm.com/# online pharmacy canada
February 7th, 2025 at 11:44 am
pharmacy no prescription required https://discountdrugmart.pro/# discount drug mart
February 7th, 2025 at 11:17 pm
canadian pharmacy coupon https://easycanadianpharm.com/# canadian pharmacy review
February 8th, 2025 at 5:02 am
buying prescription drugs from canada https://megaindiapharm.shop/# Mega India Pharm
February 8th, 2025 at 2:20 pm
canadian pharmacy coupon https://megaindiapharm.shop/# Mega India Pharm
February 8th, 2025 at 6:48 pm
canadian prescription pharmacy http://discountdrugmart.pro/# drugmart
February 8th, 2025 at 11:26 pm
canadian online pharmacy no prescription http://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# xxl mexican pharm
February 9th, 2025 at 5:04 am
http://garuda888.top/# Banyak pemain menikmati bermain slot secara online
February 9th, 2025 at 5:06 am
Kasino mendukung permainan bertanggung jawab https://preman69.tech/# Kasino memiliki suasana yang energik dan menyenangkan
February 9th, 2025 at 9:49 am
https://bonaslot.site/# Kasino menawarkan pengalaman bermain yang seru
February 9th, 2025 at 10:03 am
Mesin slot menawarkan pengalaman bermain yang cepat https://preman69.tech/# Slot menawarkan berbagai jenis permainan bonus
February 9th, 2025 at 1:57 pm
https://bonaslot.site/# Mesin slot dapat dimainkan dalam berbagai bahasa
February 9th, 2025 at 6:14 pm
https://bonaslot.site/# Permainan slot bisa dimainkan dengan berbagai taruhan
February 9th, 2025 at 6:45 pm
Pemain bisa menikmati slot dari kenyamanan rumah http://slotdemo.auction/# Mesin slot baru selalu menarik minat
February 9th, 2025 at 10:43 pm
https://preman69.tech/# Mesin slot menawarkan berbagai tema menarik
February 10th, 2025 at 4:03 am
http://garuda888.top/# Pemain harus menetapkan batas saat bermain
February 10th, 2025 at 7:04 am
Kasino sering mengadakan turnamen slot menarik https://garuda888.top/# Kasino memastikan keamanan para pemain dengan baik
February 10th, 2025 at 2:22 pm
http://garuda888.top/# Kasino selalu memperbarui mesin slotnya
February 10th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
https://slotdemo.auction/# Pemain harus memahami aturan masing-masing mesin
February 10th, 2025 at 9:21 pm
slot88.company [url=https://slot88.company/#]slot88[/url] Mesin slot menawarkan berbagai tema menarik
February 11th, 2025 at 4:07 am
https://garuda888.top/# Mesin slot baru selalu menarik minat
February 11th, 2025 at 8:47 am
http://preman69.tech/# Slot dengan tema film terkenal menarik banyak perhatian
February 11th, 2025 at 1:29 pm
http://garuda888.top/# Keseruan bermain slot selalu menggoda para pemain
February 11th, 2025 at 6:03 pm
http://slot88.company/# Kasino sering mengadakan turnamen slot menarik
February 11th, 2025 at 6:40 pm
akun demo slot [url=https://slotdemo.auction/#]akun demo slot[/url] Beberapa kasino memiliki area khusus untuk slot
February 11th, 2025 at 10:36 pm
http://garuda888.top/# Slot dengan bonus putaran gratis sangat populer
February 12th, 2025 at 7:57 am
http://garuda888.top/# Kasino memiliki suasana yang energik dan menyenangkan
February 12th, 2025 at 10:43 am
Banyak pemain berusaha untuk mendapatkan jackpot https://bonaslot.site/# Mesin slot menawarkan pengalaman bermain yang cepat
February 12th, 2025 at 10:09 pm
https://garuda888.top/# Kasino memiliki suasana yang energik dan menyenangkan
February 13th, 2025 at 12:01 am
Jackpot besar bisa mengubah hidup seseorang http://bonaslot.site/# Slot klasik tetap menjadi favorit banyak orang
February 13th, 2025 at 7:25 am
Mesin slot menawarkan berbagai tema menarik https://slotdemo.auction/# Kasino di Jakarta memiliki berbagai pilihan permainan
February 13th, 2025 at 12:04 pm
can i order cheap clomid: ClmHealthPharm – where buy generic clomid tablets
February 13th, 2025 at 3:12 pm
https://amohealthpharm.com/# amoxicillin capsules 250mg
February 13th, 2025 at 5:21 pm
where can i buy zithromax medicine: zithromax 500 mg – buy zithromax 500mg online
February 13th, 2025 at 8:29 pm
doxycycline capsules india: online doxycycline prescription – best price for doxycycline
February 13th, 2025 at 10:54 pm
zithromax cost australia: ZithroPharm – generic zithromax 500mg
February 14th, 2025 at 5:16 am
amoxicillin 250 mg capsule: AmoHealthPharm – buy amoxicillin 250mg
February 14th, 2025 at 11:10 am
amoxicillin online without prescription: amoxicillin price canada – amoxicillin no prescription
February 14th, 2025 at 5:10 pm
where to buy clomid without prescription: get cheap clomid without a prescription – how to buy cheap clomid tablets
February 14th, 2025 at 11:10 pm
amoxicillin 500 mg tablet price: buy amoxil – amoxicillin 500 mg tablets
February 15th, 2025 at 1:39 am
https://zithropharm.shop/# buy azithromycin zithromax
February 15th, 2025 at 5:08 am
cost cheap clomid no prescription: get clomid without rx – order generic clomid pill
February 15th, 2025 at 11:18 am
can you purchase amoxicillin online: generic for amoxicillin – buy amoxicillin 500mg online
February 15th, 2025 at 12:50 pm
order amoxicillin online uk: AmoHealthPharm – cheap amoxicillin 500mg
February 15th, 2025 at 5:26 pm
amoxicillin in india: amoxicillin online purchase – amoxicillin without rx
February 15th, 2025 at 8:00 pm
doxycycline 40 mg capsule: buy doxycycline us – doxycycline 100mg tablet price in india
February 15th, 2025 at 11:41 pm
doxycycline capsules 100mg price: DoxHealthPharm – buy doxycycline 100mg online uk
February 16th, 2025 at 4:21 am
how to buy clomid without prescription [url=https://clmhealthpharm.com/#]how to buy generic clomid without rx[/url] how to buy clomid no prescription
February 16th, 2025 at 7:58 am
pharmacie en ligne fiable https://kamagrameilleurprix.shop/# pharmacie en ligne avec ordonnance
February 16th, 2025 at 12:10 pm
pharmacie en ligne pas cher: pharmacie en ligne pas cher – Achat mГ©dicament en ligne fiable
February 16th, 2025 at 12:38 pm
pharmacie en ligne pas cher https://tadalafilmeilleurprix.shop/# pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance
February 16th, 2025 at 4:54 pm
pharmacies en ligne certifiГ©es: cialis generique – pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique
February 16th, 2025 at 10:06 pm
SildГ©nafil 100 mg prix en pharmacie en France: Acheter Viagra Cialis sans ordonnance – Viagra 100 mg sans ordonnance
February 17th, 2025 at 1:41 am
pharmacie en ligne pas cher: Acheter Cialis – pharmacie en ligne livraison europe
February 17th, 2025 at 3:52 am
pharmacie en ligne pas cher: pharmacie en ligne – pharmacie en ligne fiable
February 17th, 2025 at 4:56 am
https://pharmaciemeilleurprix.shop/# acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance
pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique
February 17th, 2025 at 9:48 am
Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe: Acheter Cialis – pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale
February 17th, 2025 at 3:51 pm
acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance: Pharmacies en ligne certifiees – pharmacie en ligne
February 17th, 2025 at 9:42 pm
acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance https://pharmaciemeilleurprix.shop/# pharmacie en ligne france fiable
February 17th, 2025 at 9:51 pm
Viagra pas cher livraison rapide france: viagra en ligne – Viagra gГ©nГ©rique sans ordonnance en pharmacie
February 17th, 2025 at 10:17 pm
Viagra homme prix en pharmacie: Viagra pharmacie – Viagra femme ou trouver
February 18th, 2025 at 2:29 am
trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie: Pharmacie sans ordonnance – Pharmacie Internationale en ligne
February 18th, 2025 at 3:40 am
pharmacie en ligne avec ordonnance https://kamagrameilleurprix.shop/# pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique
February 18th, 2025 at 5:53 am
http://pharmaciemeilleurprix.com/# pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique
vente de mГ©dicament en ligne
February 18th, 2025 at 6:31 am
pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique: acheter kamagra site fiable – Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe
February 18th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Viagra vente libre allemagne: Viagra sans ordonnance pharmacie France – Viagra homme prix en pharmacie sans ordonnance
February 18th, 2025 at 4:04 pm
pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale: pharmacie en ligne – Pharmacie Internationale en ligne
February 18th, 2025 at 4:47 pm
vente de mГ©dicament en ligne [url=http://kamagrameilleurprix.com/#]kamagra en ligne[/url] Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe
February 19th, 2025 at 3:34 am
pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique [url=https://tadalafilmeilleurprix.shop/#]pharmacies en ligne certifiГ©es[/url] pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale
February 19th, 2025 at 4:35 am
acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance: Acheter Cialis – pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance
February 19th, 2025 at 7:59 am
https://kamagrameilleurprix.shop/# Achat mГ©dicament en ligne fiable
trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie
February 19th, 2025 at 12:04 pm
SildГ©nafil Teva 100 mg acheter: viagra en ligne – SildГ©nafil Teva 100 mg acheter
February 19th, 2025 at 6:23 pm
pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance http://pharmaciemeilleurprix.com/# Pharmacie sans ordonnance
February 19th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
pharmacie en ligne france pas cher: pharmacie en ligne france – Achat mГ©dicament en ligne fiable
February 20th, 2025 at 3:13 am
Viagra pas cher livraison rapide france: Viagra sans ordonnance livraison 24h – Acheter Sildenafil 100mg sans ordonnance
February 20th, 2025 at 9:02 am
pharmacie en ligne livraison europe https://kamagrameilleurprix.com/# pharmacie en ligne fiable
February 20th, 2025 at 3:52 pm
Pharmacie sans ordonnance http://viagrameilleurprix.com/# SildГ©nafil 100 mg sans ordonnance
February 20th, 2025 at 8:41 pm
pharmacie en ligne avec ordonnance: acheter kamagra site fiable – п»їpharmacie en ligne france
February 20th, 2025 at 9:35 pm
pharmacie en ligne avec ordonnance http://viagrameilleurprix.com/# Viagra prix pharmacie paris
February 20th, 2025 at 9:39 pm
https://tadalafilmeilleurprix.shop/# Pharmacie sans ordonnance
Pharmacie sans ordonnance
February 21st, 2025 at 9:00 am
pharmacie en ligne livraison europe: pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale – pharmacie en ligne pas cher
February 21st, 2025 at 1:28 pm
http://pharmaciemeilleurprix.com/# pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale
acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance
February 21st, 2025 at 4:33 pm
pharmacie en ligne fiable [url=https://pharmaciemeilleurprix.shop/#]vente de mГ©dicament en ligne[/url] п»їpharmacie en ligne france
February 22nd, 2025 at 4:43 am
pharmacie en ligne pas cher https://viagrameilleurprix.shop/# Viagra Pfizer sans ordonnance
February 22nd, 2025 at 5:11 am
pharmacie en ligne fiable: cialis prix – Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe
February 22nd, 2025 at 10:02 am
pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique https://viagrameilleurprix.com/# Viagra homme sans ordonnance belgique