862: Targeted Ads | Skeptical Sunday

Do personalized ads enhance our online experience or intolerably invade our privacy? Andrew Gold joins us on this Skeptical Sunday to uncover the truth! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: Personalized advertising relies on algorithms that collect and analyze user data to tailor ads to individual preferences. While personalized ads can be effective in engaging users and providing relevant content, they raise concerns about privacy invasion and potential manipulation. Voice-activated devices like Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri are designed to listen for wake-up words, but there have been instances of accidental recordings and privacy breaches. The use of personal data in advertising can lead to discrimination and perpetuate existing inequalities. Stakeholders including tech companies, advertisers, regulators, and users have roles to play in ensuring ethical and privacy-respecting practices in personalized advertising. Users can — and should — take steps to protect their privacy and advocate for stronger privacy protections. Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at [email protected] and let him know! Connect with Andrew on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/862 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.