Just for a moment imagine a world without any ads. I for one do not have to imagine that, but just have to remember back, when I grew up in the eastern block.
What you wanted to buy was available in the stores and you could always ask someone, if you needed something very special.
If an ad were merely a statement of existence - but that not what ads have become: "brand refresh", "pivot", "awareness", "emotion", or any other subtle or not so subtle message that wants to influence you. I see so many people driven to "buy" things they do not need and then "buy" again books on how to clean the mess up. From where I'm standing, this is all just very ridiculous at this point.
Note that I am not saying there is a free will, not at all, but hey, do I want to this endless mostly senseless stream of unneeded stuff let influence me or something a little more grounded?
What you wanted to buy was available in the stores and you could always ask someone, if you needed something very special.
If an ad were merely a statement of existence - but that not what ads have become: "brand refresh", "pivot", "awareness", "emotion", or any other subtle or not so subtle message that wants to influence you. I see so many people driven to "buy" things they do not need and then "buy" again books on how to clean the mess up. From where I'm standing, this is all just very ridiculous at this point.
Note that I am not saying there is a free will, not at all, but hey, do I want to this endless mostly senseless stream of unneeded stuff let influence me or something a little more grounded?