###### tags: `CDA`

## Ad Blocking

### Online Ads and Blockers

*Knowing what we know about online advertising, should users be able to easily block ads? If so, who then pays for the free content and services we consume?*

Targeted ads have become commonplace on the internet, with information about buyers being obtained in ethically questionable ways to create advertisements that target their specific preferences. However, with such methods increasing the information asymmetry, buyers are bound to be manipulated while their private data is being used for the advertiser's benefit. Therefore, there is more incentive to use Do Not Track Services that protect them from ads that violate their online presence to make sales. The creators of such ads lack the creativity to make relatable content that the general public can respond to and have thus opted for the easiest thing to do. Personally, I believe that using ad blockers, among other Do Not Track services or elements, is crucial in protecting the online presence of users. It prevents various tracers from obtaining their information to personalize advertisements for them. This habit is uncalled for and ultimately hinges on ethical violations of user privacy and trust. The alternative is creating widely targeted ads that call for more creativity on the part of advertisers and publishers. Such ads give brands more salability than sales, with the prior being more long-term and of value. This is why print advertising retains its high premiums for advertising; it cuts across the board. Naturally, with more value for advertisements, the revenues per advertisement will rise, evening out the disruption caused by ad blockers to targeted ads. Advertising clients are more than capable of filling the difference with less investment in personalized ads in place of generalized promotions.

The web browser ad blocker that I use is AdblockPlus. When activated, it shows how many ads have been blocked on that page. I have been using this ad blocker for four years and I have been pleased with how effective it is in blocking unwanted ads. Two of the websites I most often visit are Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. These websites are often full of ads, therefore, using this adblocker is very useful when visiting these sites.

#### Forbes With Ad Blocking (37 Ads Blocked):


#### Forbes Without Ad Blocking (*An Ad That Covers The Whole Page*):


#### The Wall Street Journal With Ad Blocking (21 Ads Blocked)


#### The Wall Street Journal Without Ad Blocking (An Ad Banner That Appears Throughout The Page)