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Honestly, advertising in general is probably a net detriment to society. This is especially depressing when you consider how much money goes into it.

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It absolutely is. Proper capitalism requires an open and free market with informed consumers capable of making sound decisions. Advertising, especially targeted and manipulative advertising, breaks down that relationship.

Advertising isn't necessarily a bad thing. There are restaurants and niche products I value that I only discovered due to a postcard ad or a sidebar ad on a forum I frequent. In moderation it's an informer and can be good for society by helping break up local monopolies.

In hindsight I worded that poorly, would've been better to say:

Targeted advertising that employs manipulative or otherwise dishonest methods is damaging to Capitalism and free markets.

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