Elyse Raymond posted Nov 18, 2019 3:28 PM
Hello Class,
There are advantages and disadvantages for the consumer when companies such as google gather information based off of consumer web searches. The advantages are that when a company targets a consumer based on their interests then the consumer will be better informed about deals that would interest them. I am always googling baby clothes from carters so often times I get adds offering limited 40% off children's clothing that I am actually interested in, I would otherwise miss if I did not receive the add.
Disadvantages are that some consumers may have impulsive spending habits, so when they are tempted by ads they feel the need to always participate in the offers. I believe there are ethical issues related to this. I had a step-grandma who had a mental illness that caused her to impulse buy, when she passed away they discovered that she bought 6 treadmills all unopened. She never even worked out. Other disadvantages include consumers receiving ads that they are not interested in. I might randomly google something with no interest of purchasing that item and then get annoying ads about that product. I know for some people, they feel violated due to the ads that relate to recent internet searches. It can be considered a violation of privacy. This also poses ethical concerns.
-Elyse