[nickpp]

Then you should stop writing right now because to communicate is to manipulate. People are manipulating machines. Sometimes to sell useless crap, other times (just as useless) ideas and ideologies. It comes with being a human and interacting with other humans.

People should have the freedom to choose who they listen to though, instead of others deciding for them.

[fsflover]

I'm talking about dedicated departments in large companies that try to steer people into more purchases for profit. This is unethical unless people gave their consent.

[nickpp]

Now you are simply describing advertising. I do not find it unethical, maybe unpleasant at most. It is the engine of commerce and driving progress. It is a sign of abundance of choice. And let's not forget a company still has to create a compelling product - no ads can override my free will.

[fsflover]

-> no ads can override my free will.

Everyone thinks that they are resistant to advertising, yet it somehow works. It's called "wishful thinking", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_advertising#Influ....

> And let's not forget a company still has to create a compelling product

Not necessarily: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_advertising#Media...

[nickpp]

It works because people want to buy things, as I said at the beginning of this exchange. Advertising works with them, not against them.

[fsflover]

This is not what my links say. Do you have your own references?

[nickpp]

I have a bit of knowledge about human nature and some applied logic. I do not need others to tell me how to think and I find Wikipedia a heavily biased and ideologized source.