From Ads to Influence: Rethinking the Marketplace of Attention
In recent years, the discourse around the advertising industry, especially as it intersects with technology, has become increasingly poignant, reflecting a collective unease with its pervasive influence and ethical implications. A fascinating thread of discussion that has emerged revolves around the striking comparability of advertising to propaganda, positing that they operate on similar principles but serve different masters. This comparison captures a critical, often uncomfortable, truth that resonates deeply with those who have seen the inner workings of ad tech and have since moved away from it.