The Eerie Moment of Targeted Advertising
Linda's recent experience on my national radio show has left many of you wondering about the mysterious world of targeted advertising. Her question has flooded my inbox with concerns similar to hers.
"I was shopping yesterday at Walmart, looking at kitchen knives. I called my friend and told her where I was in the store. I didn't buy the knives. Today, I received an email advertising the very knives I was looking at! How did that happen? I never looked up knives online."
The Answer Lies in Data Collection
Many of you have been quick to accuse Linda's phone of listening in on her activities, but the truth is more complex. Even if Linda never searched for knives online, her smartphone was still collecting data.
Your phone tracks your location not just through GPS but also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals. If you've connected to a store's Wi-Fi or walked in with Bluetooth on, retailers can track your movements and even know where you're standing in the store.
How Retailers Track Your Movements
Retailers sell this data to ad networks that then work with data brokers to get your email address. This is how Linda received an email from the knife company. It's likely she'll start seeing ads for knives and related items online, too.
Facebook, Instagram, Google, and weather apps track your location even when running in the background. If you've granted them location access, they know where you are and later use that data to serve you targeted ads.
The Power of AI-Driven Advertising
Award-winning host Kim Komando explains how AI-driven advertising works by taking one interest (kitchen knives) and expanding it into related categories. This means Linda is likely to receive pitches for new cutlery, charcuterie boards, and cooking classes.
There's a lot you can't control in this whole tracking mess, but doing what you can is crucial.
Take Control of Your Data
Don't stay logged into Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc., while shopping. Open a new incognito or private window that's separate from the accounts you're signed into.
Here are the steps to start your browser in Incognito mode by default:
- For Chrome: Go to Settings > Advanced > Privacy and security > Cookies and site data. Select "Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome."
- For Safari: Go to Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data. Choose "Clear all website data" to clear your history.
Protect Yourself from Unwanted Solicitations
Regularly clearing cookies on your phone is also essential. If you've never done this, here are the steps:
- For Android: Go to Settings > Google > Account settings > Data & personalization. Select "Clear search history" and then "Clear saved sites and app data."
- For iOS: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
Avoid the Creepy Feeling of Targeted Advertising
Remember, this combination of retailers, advertisers, and data brokers is trying to get you to spend a buck. By taking control of your data, you can avoid unwanted solicitations and maintain some level of anonymity.
Stay informed about tech trends with Kim Komando, award-winning host and your secret weapon for navigating the digital world.