## Online ads & blockers
**Before (no ad blocker):**
**After (with ad blocker):**

## Response to the Readings
I think users should be able to easily block ads. Online ads today are not only annoying, but they also create problems with privacy, security, and power. However, if we block all ads, then we must think about who pays for the free websites and services we use.

Don Marti (2017) argues that targeted advertising can be harmful. He explains that when advertisers follow users around the web and build profiles about them, the main customer is no longer the user but the advertiser. This creates a conflict of interest. Websites and ad tech companies try to get more clicks and data, instead of really serving users. From this reading, I feel that ad blocking is a kind of “self-defense” by users against a system that watches them too closely.

Sven Taylor (2020) shows another problem: some ad-blocking companies are paid by advertisers to allow “acceptable ads.” This means that ad blockers are not always neutral tools for users. There is a financial system where big companies can pay to pass through the filter, while small websites and advertisers cannot.

Ax Sharma (2022) describes a case where people searching for GIMP saw a malicious Google ad for a fake GIMP site. The ad led to malware that could steal information. This shows that online ads are not just annoying; they can also be dangerous.

If users block many ads, then who pays for online content and services? I think there are several possible answers:
1. Less invasive, contextual ads: Websites could use simple ads based on page content, not personal tracking. These ads might be less harmful, so users may choose not to block them.
2. Subscriptions and memberships: Some websites can ask heavy users to pay a small fee. This is already common with streaming services or news sites.
3. Donations and public funding: Projects like Wikipedia show that donations can support a large site. In some cases, public or non-profit funding could also support important information websites.

In my opinion, it is not fair to say that users must accept any kind of ad just because content is free. Instead, the advertising and web industry should design funding models that respect privacy and security. Users can block harmful ads, but still support good websites through subscriptions, donations, or less invasive ads.

After installing an ad blocker and comparing a site with and without ads, I feel the difference clearly. With ads, the page feels noisy and a bit stressful. With the blocker, the page is cleaner and easier to read. This experience connects to the readings: the current ad system often puts profit and tracking before users’ comfort and safety. Therefore, I support giving users easy tools to block ads, while at the same time exploring more ethical ways to pay for online content.