I am uneasily aware that around this time last year I wrote that my drive to acquire material things had somewhat subsided: I was older and wiser, had everything I needed, was repelled by the sheer volume of stuff in the world, blah blah blah. Unfortunately, the internet seemingly viewed that as fighting talk, an impossible-to-turn-down challenge, and in recent months I have once more found myself wanting stuff. Lots of stuff.I suppose you've not considered putting the phone or tablet down?
It’s not surprising perhaps – stuff is everywhere, whispering, or shouting, to us from every screen we stare at. “The constant stream of ads on Instagram is exhausting,” said my best friend gloomily just last week, and she’s right: my eyes are constantly assaulted with offers of miracle goop for my mature skin, wellness gadgetry, expensive knitwear and greenwashed “disruptors” of almost everything. I just spent a minute scrolling and was offered, in quick succession, a “calfPRO” (no idea, alarming), kombucha, cleanser, an eco frying pan, “reminiscent of Phoebe Philo-era Celine” jumpers and, bafflingly, Canadian sea urchins.
That seems a rather odd selection of targeted ads.
In this newly lawless age for social media there are bigger problems than the relentless onslaught of targeted ads, but in addition to the urgent upskilling in critical reading the world needs, we need to work out how to fight back against all the stuff the internet wants us to buy.
I already have - ignore them and scroll past.
I’ve been trying to deinfluence myself in recent weeks and it’s quite the battle – I am weak-willed and made stupider by the minute by internet nonsense, and the algorithm is tireless. But I have a secret weapon: I know my craven, ridiculous desires intimately, which helps me shout them down. Now when tempted, that’s exactly what I do.
There! Wasn't so hard after all, was it?
12 comments:
Wasn't so hard after all, was it?
Actually seemed quite difficult to get to that minor revelation. And presumably internet adverts still need to be regulated or banned though? Sounds like this woman is incapeable of installing revolutionary tech, like an ad-blocker
Incredible that The Guardian publishes this crap. Even more that they beg for money to do so on the basis that they are providing quality journalism. Peak Guardianism never seems to be reached.
Has this person not heard of an 'adblocker'?
I can't really relate, I don't have this urge to constantly buy stuff. At the age of sixty six I've just about got everything I need. The occasional new toy for the woodwork shop maybe but I don't buy it if I can't afford it.
Stonyground.
My friend got a retro console, a rubber key replica of the original Spectrum 48k, as a Christmas present. I had a look on a famous search engine. Ever since every website I visit is trying to sell me any version of similar items. I just go full Grange Hill
It always tickles me that as part of their begging-bowl schtick, the Grauniad earnestly tries to convince you that they are not beholden to anyone or anything, hence they are honest and objective. They might not have a specific owner in the financial sense, but they are utterly beheld by the lunatic left and every woke bullshit fad that comes down the pike.
I find it quite easy, so why doesn't she?
Spot on! It leaks into everything, even film and restaurant reviews.
Quite!
Me neither, I mostly have everything I need, except more shoes! 😏
It's like when you buy a big item like a TV, fridge or PC, and you get inundated with ads for more. I only need one!
Ironic you mention the film reviews, I read the Guardian the day after the Brexit result, and even the bloody film critic had to stick her tuppence worth in. "I recall being able to pop over to Cannes for the film festival!" she bleated, as if we were suddenly going to blow up the Chunnel and use the full might the RN to blockade Dover.
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