Disturbing ads are those that, initially, seem to be online unharmful and useful commercials. And we see thousands of them, every day. But most of the time, they prevent us from reading or seeing the content we are interested in. So, how many of these ads would be acceptable?
Why do disturbing ads show up?
Either they cover the content we are interested in when a web page loads or pop up over it, they become extremely annoying for any user.
Pop-ups seem to be the most annoying ads, especially when they pre-roll video ads. They cover the content we want to read or see and we need to take action in order to get rid of them. Or, we have to wait until they reach the end.
Then, the overlay ads come to do the same thing. The only difference is that they come without any sound and, usually, without motion.
But they prevent us from seeing the content we were looking for. So, the legitimate question is if we are we ready to accept them in order to access the content, or not.
And this is about our tolerance level. If we really want to see that content, we need to accept them. But we should always keep in mind that they do what all ads are supposed to. David Foster Wallace, an American author, said that this purpose is to “create an axiety relievable by purchase.”
Distraction, information or manipulation?
So, disturbing ads are nothing but ways advertisers try to distract users. Their main purposes are to keep away people from the real content and manipulate them. Thus, we should finally give up our own thoughts or beliefs and make a purchase decision, based on emotions.
Make an experiment and try to find out how much information you can find in an ad. Is it real information? Is it misleading?
Then, decide if you really want to be part of this game. If you want to get out of it, you can try Ad Guardian Plus for free. It will block any online ad. Moreover, it will let you support the quality websites that bring you valuable information.
It is for all of us to decide what websites could show us ads, so that they can afford bring the information that we find relevant and valuable. And thus, we can all become become informed users and gain the power over the emotions some ads might appeal to.
So, be honest and decide how many intrusive ads would be reasonable for you, if any!
