[m0nty]

> I personally loathe advertising.

I've always had issues with the constant brain-washing with trivial rubbish, stupid humour and idiotic themes so often used in TV commericals. I tend to download movies/television now, or buy them on DVD, and so I hardly ever watch television per se. When I do, I find it jarring to be taken out of a story to be told about lavatory cleaner or some novelty foodstuff. I have the same feeling when browsing without AdBlock. How am I supposed to read the article with so much stuff dancing around my peripheral vision? Oh, I'm not, it's the ads which are the important thing.

In terms of practical effects, I find I am far less materialistic than many people I know, and less likely to buy things for the sake of it. I think this is because constantly being told you want a new car or consumer electronics will inevitably cause you to believe it. I don't mean this to be rude, btw - it's just how advertising works. Constant repetition combined with all the tricks of the trade like social proof, limited offers, etc.