The Problem with Personalization

Joseph Turow

A respected voice on technology shows how seemingly simple ads help dismantle democracy and public discourse. Whether you’re intentionally shopping or casually browsing social media, something is following you: ads. Their creators seem to know your...

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Opening Credits

1/11/2026

Chapter 1. The Long, Fraught History of Personalization

1/11/2026

Chapter 2. Mass Newspapers to Mass TV: The Mass Audience Century

1/11/2026

Chapter 2. Mass Newspapers to Mass TV: The Mass Audience Century (continued)

1/11/2026

Chapter 3. Mailing Lists, Coupons: Direct Marketing Sets the Stage

1/11/2026

Chapter 4. Cookies, Barcodes, Smartphones, Location Targeting: The Internet Takes the Direct-Marketing Crown

1/11/2026

Chapter 5. Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Identity Resolution: AI and the Data Deluge

1/11/2026

Chapter 5. Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Identity Resolution: AI and the Data Deluge (continued)

1/11/2026

Chapter 6. Dynamic Personalizations, Unprecedented Permutations, Virtual Influencers: Enter Gen AI

1/11/2026

Chapter 7. Consumer Data and the Law: Governments Push Back, Marketers Push Forward

1/11/2026

Chapter 7. Consumer Data and the Law: Governments Push Back, Marketers Push Forward (continued)

1/11/2026

Chapter 8. Why Don’t People Revolt?

1/11/2026

Closing Credits

1/11/2026