[HeckFeck]

You may see it that way, but the overall effect of this on humanity is bad (see https://voxeu.org/article/advertising-major-source-human-dis...).

From my experience, I don't enjoy relentless targeted pressure to give up my money for goods I don't really need. I don't like wasting precious time consuming adverts, each braying for my attention in one way or another. I don't think it's ethical treatment of impulsive types and folks who are less aware of what's really happening them. Interestingly, I have felt less pressure to buy anything since installing advert blockers and ignoring TV. I remember feeling strong sensations that I needed to buy a new phone, that I needed to upgrade my PC. Now I've had the same phone for four years and a PC for even longer. Those pressures and sensations are gone and my wallet thanks me.

A strong case could be made that little would be lost to the world if we banned advertising outright. Also consider, it would be better if we could be recommended goods and services by those who don't have a financial incentive from the providers of goods and services.

[glial]

Even worse, advertising incentivizes business models whose primary goal is to create addictive behavior, because the side effect is that you see more ads. So, for example, social media companies will do anything they can to increase “engagement”, even if it means spreading conspiracy theories and inflaming politics. Advertising is the root of this problem, because it is the funding mechanism.

[srtjstjsj]

That's fine, but then you have no need for instagram at all, since it it 100% unnecessary, so the ads won't nother you either.