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> who then use that data to coerce you into buying products and services that you might never have purchased if left to your own devices.

That’s not what coercion means.

coerce: persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats

Don’t cheapen the word by misusing it.

> coerce: transitive verb. To bring about or gain by pressure, threat, or force.

There is a pressure exerted by controlling someone's environment. The use of the word fits.

I think “persuasion” is a good neutral term in this case. That’s what it’s called when someone tries to convince you of something.

cheap·en

/ˈCHēpən/

verb

reduce the price of.

"the depreciation of the dollar would cheapen U.S. exports"

synonyms: reduce, lower, lower in price, cut, mark down, discount, depreciate, devalue, depress, put down, keep down, slash, axe

So words cost money now? News to me.