[seanwilson]

So my view is, demonstrated by your examples, is you need to use critical thinking and be skeptical in all aspects of life e.g. relationships, work, education, politics, health and especially ads. I don't think anyone goes through life just believing everything they're told.

All communications have an element of truth, bias and maybe manipulation (intentional or not). I don't see how an ad presenting a product in the best possible light (keeping in mind most countries have regulations about ads being misleading which I strongly agree with) is much worse than information encountered from other places. Obviously I'm against manipulative, inaccurate or deceitful ads though.

I mean are you trying to imply most ads are manipulative? Deceptive? Most ads I can think of recently are along the lines of "check out our new product/features" or "our product will save you time and money". I really just don't see what the big deal is.

Show HN posts will make claims about how they'll benefit you and try to charm you with branding. I specifically see trends of apps telling you that their app is "beautiful" for instance which I don't like... Anyway, I don't see anything wrong with people trying to sell their work to you or what you're suppose to do differently.