I get impulsive about buying that “thing”. That new awesome thing that’s ten times better than the last awesome thing. You know, the crap I’ll regret buying the day after the return policy is up. Why is that? And why do we feel this way so often? They don’t want you to know…but I do. They are the advertisers. The slick, ever-present advertisers planting messages in your mind that you want need what they’re selling. I’m not against honest advertising that’s up front about its goals, reason for placement, and biases. But it seems like these don’t exist anymore. It was more than enough when ads were just in commercials, magazines, and random web pages. But then they penetrated screen time before movies started. And now they’re on gas pump handles, airplane tray tables, inside restrooms at bowling alleys, and floors at supermarkets. Bad news for them though. You have weapons that they can’t defend against. Here’s how you use them.
Beginner Tools for Ad-Free Living
You can’t avoid all 5,000+ ads you’re exposed to every day. And I can’t stop drug companies from spending over $60 billion on ads every year. But we can use these simple tools to significantly reduce the number and impact. Once you’ve mastered beginner mode you’ll probably want to level up to expert mode. Here are some awesome mind tricks and Jedi level tools to break an advertiser’s strangle hold on our spending habits.
Expert Ad-Crushing Tools
Give these a whirl and experience some major ad-fighting super powers.
Your Action Plan
Even when advertising isn’t “helping” us buy things we don’t need, it has a dubious impact on our worldview and our values. And this doesn’t even account for the shudder-inducing effects of ads on children. It takes a little work to mobilize against its impact but it can be done. So use one or more of these tools today and start enjoying a life free of unwanted influences. You’ll be happier and have a healthier relationship with money when you do. Which of these tools are you going to use today? And are there ones you use as a secret weapon against advertising’s impacts? Please share a comment below, even if it’s just a short blurb. (Photo credit: Shopping Cart on Screen via Shutterstock)
