Is annoying computer Spam affecting the way we think?
After seeing the same pop-up ads each and every day, I have now gone from simply clicking delete without a second thought to thinking about each ad that’s sent… and therein lies a problem.
At first, I thought the advertisers were just targeting me. I was having the same ad pop up on my computer multiple times a day, letting me know the value of a home surveillance camera. The highlight of the ad is a beautiful, scantily-clad woman who is seductively caught on film with a caption above her: “Do you know what is going on in your house when you are away?” After a few days of seeing the ad I, started to wonder… home surveillance camera, not a bad idea! This is where I knew the advertisers had gotten me.
I guess I am worried that, if these ads keep popping up, I am going to have to go see a Spam psychologist, or attend Spam anonymous meetings -- surely they must exist by now.
The next ad that jumped out at me was, “Harmless ways to improve your bust line.” I guess I didn’t realize that this was the rage for guys these days. I could be the first guy on my block with an incredible bust line. Interesting in a strange way, but the more I thought about it the more I figured, I had better pass on that one.
Now, I’m starting to get ads popping up by the dozen for that wonder drug we keep seeing on TV -- you know, the one with the warning about what they call a possible side-effect that -- how shall we put it tastefully? – deals with a four-hour drawbridge that won’t go down… Doesn’t sound so good to me. “May cause a rash” -- that’s a side effect; “walking into a hospital with your own mini version of the Washington Monument for everyone to inspect” -- to me, that’s more than a side effect. I always wish I had a friend who’s an ER doctor, because that must be quite a scene, when these unfortunate people with the mild-side effects that may occur come limping in…..
Then there are the ads that make all other ads look like kids play -- the guys know what I am talking about. Proven enlargement for men, Add 1-3” safely. You start to wonder, is someone watching me? Why is the computer constantly sending me these ads? Does it know something?
However, when we get to the point where we can completely block computer spam, I wonder if it will just take another form. Maybe years from now, the computer will just speak up and say, “Excuse me, don’t mean to interrupt your typing. I just wanted to let you know you might want to think about adding a little hair in the back; you’re getting kinda thin. Oh, and by the way, your wife was telling me the other day, I don’t know how to tell you this but …..”
