I didn't get through the whole post as it's kind of disjointed and meandering, but its initial assertions seem shaky.
Personalized ads do have business value. After looking at some videos about Native Instruments audio gear on YouTube, I started getting a lot of Native Instruments ads pretty quickly. Unlike television, I am being shown ads for something I might actually buy rather than ads for things I will never buy. If traditional advertising is effective, then I don't see how this more targeted advertising can't be more effective.
As for "uncanny valley", what's "icky" now won't be icky in 10 years. You can get used to anything and kids growing up with the "uncanny" will quickly see it as normal, whether this is a good thing or not.
The practices of the marketing and advertising industry have a history of being received negatively, only to be reluctantly and slowly accepted as a normal part of everyday life. I am currently reading an old economics books (org. published 1958) that rails against the industry for creating unwarranted demand for non-essential products, and argues that it is a root cause of economic volatility. Of course, by today's standards, the industry practices of 1958 would seem tame.
>"After looking at some videos about Native Instruments audio gear on YouTube, I started getting a lot of Native Instruments ads pretty quickly."
So, you sought out the product first, then received ads? I think that's the point. What does this accomplish from a brand awareness point of view? You have already made it clear you're interested.
>So, you sought out the product first, then received ads? I think that's the point. What does this accomplish from a brand awareness point of view? You have already made it clear you're interested.
A traditional sales technique is to retain a list of potential leads and call them every once and awhile to see if the lead is interested in converting into a sale. This technique exists because it works and the purpose of the targeted advertising is similar. Keep me reminded of the product and at some point I might be inclined to buy.
Personalized ads do have business value. After looking at some videos about Native Instruments audio gear on YouTube, I started getting a lot of Native Instruments ads pretty quickly. Unlike television, I am being shown ads for something I might actually buy rather than ads for things I will never buy. If traditional advertising is effective, then I don't see how this more targeted advertising can't be more effective.
As for "uncanny valley", what's "icky" now won't be icky in 10 years. You can get used to anything and kids growing up with the "uncanny" will quickly see it as normal, whether this is a good thing or not.