Pandemic Ad Targeting Is the Most Accurate Personality Test
Anyone else feeling very seen by their targeted ads lately?
Sometimes we are mysteries even to ourselves. But you know who really sees us? Who makes note of every life change, understands every secret desire? Our targeted ads, that’s who. They’re tracking our every click, scroll, and search. You know how the minute after a certain birthday, you start getting ads for “lipstick for mature women”? Yeah, me too.
Yes, it’s creepy, but look, we’ve also uploaded our kids’ baby photos to a cloud and sent our DNA to unseen labs. We’re in it. We might as well learn something from it. And how we seek solace during difficult times can be telling. Ad-targeting algorithms have an unparalleled view into our identity, and what those algorithms spit back at us may offer some useful insights.
Here is a handy and extremely nonscientific rubric for decoding what the algorithms that target you with ads can tell you about yourself:
Ads: Shippable succulents and peel-and-stick wallpaper
Diagnosis: You make the best of bad situations
If you’re finding yourself bombarded with ads for scented candles, affordable artwork, and succulent planters that look like unicorns…
