How do they know?
Monday, December 30, 2024 at 01:54PM
A couple weeks ago, I made an old family casserole using the directions on the scanned recipe card above.
A couple days ago, I got the following post in my Facebook feed:
Coincidence? I sincerely doubt it. Just how did Zuckerberg know I used Jiffy brand cornbread mix and target advertising posts to me about it in Facebook?
I doubt he found "Jiffy" in the handwritten graphic in my GoogleDrive. I don’t remember emailing or texting anyone else about the recipe. I have no “smart” devices in my home that may have peered over my shoulder while I cooked or listened if I mumbled the directions aloud.
About all I can figure out is that my local grocery store to which I have a loyalty membership sends Mr. Z a list of all the products I buy from them each time I shop. Although I don’t remember seeing any FB ads for my food staples like pot pies or frozen pizzas. Hmmmmm.
While I can’t think of a specific example, there have been times when I have mentioned a product in passing when conversing with a friend only to have that product appear on social media. How does the internet “hear” me talking? Or am I simply becoming paranoid in my dotage?
OK, I know my email, my texts, my blog posts, my online purchases, and my Google searches are all available to the highest marketing bidder. I accept that and to a degree, possibly benefit from it. I know if I click on a story in my GoogleNews feed, I will see more like it. (You have no idea how many inappropriate outfits Katy Perry wears to public functions!) Our data is basically public if we choose to use free online tools.
But to steal data from my grocery list? It never occurred to me.
Reader Comments (2)
Doug, I wonder if you talked about it with someone? Those pesky microphone settings could have allowed Zuch to listen in to get the targeted ad.
Has happened to me, as well.
Hi Mike,
Maybe I did, but I don't remember doing so. I forget that my phone is usually listening whether I want it to or not!
Have a happy new year!
Doug