Some people might prefer an ad which is relevant to their location over something extremely generic and less useful.

Sharing location does not necessarily need to impact privacy.

I don’t want ANY ads.

You have that right: just don't use any ad supported services.

I think you may actually be right but I always react with disgust and amazement at the concept of wanting ads that are “better” or “more useful”.

To me, that fact that you’re making an unsolicited pitch to me to capture my money is an insult and assault on my attention. Even if it somehow happened to align with something I wanted, I then wouldn’t want it from that company.

Its generally not unsolicited though. Using free services that are ad supported implies the consent you will hear advertisements.

The Jeep situation is weird in some ways - is the car cheaper because it's ad supported? What did the owners sign up for?

It’s more money for Jeep, and it looks like they can get away with it, because there are no alternatives for the buyers(?). I’d be surprised if that is in any way good/cheaper for the users.

I'm with you on this. I don't even know how to have a conversation about ads with someone whose position is anything other than "fuck psychologically manipulating people into buying something they don't need and didn't want 2 minutes ago."

I block ads anywhere I can. I don't watch tv, listen to radio, watch youtube, etc. I basically don't see ads. And when I see or hear one out in the world, I immediately shift my focus elsewhere. It's automatic at this point, I hear or see the start of an ad and immediately dissociate or turn my attention elsewhere.

I'm not interested in splitting hairs over " acceptable" advertising, because that's an oxymoron to me.

I understand this is a hardline stance. But ads should really be annoying the shit out of all of us. People discussing the benefits of privacy encroachment for the sole purpose of "serving me better ads" are, in my opinion, missing the point. Or at least missing my point. I don't want ads, especially ones that are targeted based on data collected from me. These are the most likely to effectively sway me towards buying something.

If I want something, I'll go online and search for it and might decide to buy it. I don't need some marketing schmuck who spent their entire 8 hour day trying to build a perfect string of words and sound effects designed to trigger deep seated biological responses in me. If I want your product, I will find it.

Sorry for the rant.