Facebook has been blitzing me with ads for four days. This
is unusual. Usually their ad blitzes only last about 24 hours. It’s a bit of
sport, blocking them all.
I’m beginning to think that FB has stock in the ad blocking
apps. That would make way too much sense.
I don’t watch TV, and I live where nobody bothers with
billboards because there just aren’t enough eyeballs to see them. So my
exposure to advertising is mostly limited to what I see online. That’s bad
enough.
I have a friend who enjoys finding old adverts from the
50s-80s and posting them on social media. They are mostly horrifying
(Beatles-inspired wigs for men was a thing?) although there are a very few that
stand the test of time. They’re terrible not just for the production value but
also for the incredibly biased and simple-minded content.
Today’s ads are different but just as bad. Especially during a pandemic.
“Stress will make your skin age, so use this product!”
“Improve your immune system with our proven herbal system!”
“Cozy and happy at home with these 400 thread count sheets!”
“Show your colors by wearing these Dissent earrings
everywhere you go!”
“Wear this crystal bracelet to align your energies!”
“Get fit in 4 weeks at home with this scientifically proven
device!”
“In Zoom meetings all day? Wear this posture-correcting
corset!”
“Stand out in these hand-embroidered face masks made by
Mexican artisans!”
And the favorite of online advertising during a pandemic - “Due
to COVID, we have to discontinue operations/this product line. Buy now and save
big!”
Seriously, it’s enough to make me completely lose faith in
humanity and go live in a cave.
I’m sure all these companies are using “big data” to figure
out who to market to. They clearly know I’m a middle-aged white female who
leans left. But what is the point of targeted marketing if you’re going to
insult me? Your advertising clearly reveals your bias – that people of my
demographic tend to be overweight, obsessed with appearance, ignorant of
science, and guilty about our domestic shortcomings. Is this advertising or
gaslighting? I’m smart enough to know that burning sage won’t protect me from a
virus and woke enough to know a new bra isn’t empowerment. Honestly, it’s
offensive.
Seriously y’all. Use your big data to engage with me
respectfully. Try to sell me products that add real value to my life if you are
going to market to me. Otherwise, go rethink your business strategy and come
back when you’ve got it right. In the meantime, at least the block button still
works.
