Those breezy TV drug ads? Take ’em with a grain of salt

Direct-to-consumer advertising works at selling drugs. A new study shows, though, that it may not work so well at promoting treatments that are significantly better than other options.

Alvin Powell • harvard
March 1, 2023 ~9 min

AI's threat to Google is more about advertising income than being the number one search engine

Could Google’s undisputed dominance as a search engine come under threat from AI?

Andy Tattersall, Information Specialist, University of Sheffield • conversation
Feb. 17, 2023 ~8 min


War killed the ‘a-woo-gah!’ Klaxon car horn

A book on the Klaxon automobile horn shows how consumers are led toward technological solutions for the problems technology creates.

Francisco Tutella-Penn State • futurity
Feb. 2, 2023 ~3 min

Cigarette advertising aggressively targets kids in low- and middle-income countries, a new study finds

In places around the world that lack restrictions to combat the problem, tobacco companies are using marketing strategies aimed at children, like displaying tobacco products at kids’ eye level.

Jennifer Brown, Researcher in Public Health, Johns Hopkins University • conversation
Aug. 10, 2022 ~5 min

Greenwashing: how ads get you to think brands are greener than they are – and how to avoid falling for it

Ads use music, colour and emotion to stress the sustainability of what they’re selling: even when the reality isn’t as attractive.

Zahra Golrokhi, Lecturer in Engineering, The Open University • conversation
June 20, 2022 ~8 min

PFAS are showing up in children’s stain- and water-resistant products – including those labeled ‘nontoxic’ and ‘green’

Tests found PFAS in school uniforms, pillows, upholstered furniture and several other items that are often next to children’s skin and near their noses and mouths.

Kathryn Rodgers, Ph.D. Student in Environmental Health, Boston University • conversation
May 4, 2022 ~7 min

Elon Musk's plans for Twitter could make its misinformation problems worse

Twitter, more than other social media platforms, fosters real-time discussion about events as they unfold. That could change now that Musk has gained control of the company.

Anjana Susarla, Professor of Information Systems, Michigan State University • conversation
April 25, 2022 ~9 min

Elon Musk's bid spotlights Twitter's unique role in public discourse – and what changes might be in store

Twitter, more than other social media platforms, fosters real-time discussion about events as they unfold. That could change if Musk gains control of the company.

Anjana Susarla, Professor of Information Systems, Michigan State University • conversation
April 15, 2022 ~8 min


Why 'bad' ads appear on 'good' websites – a computer scientist explains

A combination of volume, technology and financial need has opened the door to sleazy and dangerous advertisements on reputable websites.

Eric Zeng, PhD Candidate in Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington • conversation
April 13, 2022 ~10 min

Why Facebook targeted ads are often hilariously wrong

Facebook tracks your activity online to identify your interests, but doesn't take context into account. That can result in some odd targeted ads.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
March 29, 2022 ~6 min

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