Mapped a new run and instantly got ads for gear

I used a free app to log my jogging path last week. The next day, my phone showed ads for running shoes on that exact route. It spooked me because I never okayed that use of my data. Makes you think about who's really watching your moves. What's the line between helpful and invasive with this stuff?

4 comments

4 Comments

gavin_hunt51mo ago

Ugh, it's everywhere now. Happened when I was just talking about a trip, then ads for hotels popped up. Feels like your phone is always listening.

lily571mo ago

A tech blogger I follow did a test where they talked about cat food for weeks with no online searches, and got zero ads. Your hotel ads probably came from earlier travel site visits or location data (like if you used maps near airports). Companies connect your browsing history and app activity to serve targeted ads. It feels like listening, but it's really just data tracking from stuff you already do online.

blairc901mo ago

The very next day? That's wild.

karencampbell21d ago

Honestly, that data tracking stuff is way too perfect. My friend was fixing a chair and said "I need a new drill" out loud near his phone. He never searched online. Five minutes later, ads for power drills were all over his social media. That's not a coincidence from browsing history. These apps have way more access than they admit. It's creepy but it's definitely happening.