Advertising Without Signal: The Rise of the Grifter Equilibrium
Hacker NewsSaturday, July 19, 2025 at 2:25:50 AM
The article dives into the growing trend of digital advertising becoming less effective as users ignore or block ads, leading to a "grifter equilibrium" where advertisers, platforms, and consumers are locked in a cycle of deception. Advertisers chase dwindling attention with ever-more intrusive tactics, while users increasingly tune out or employ ad blockers—creating a lose-lose scenario for everyone involved.
Editor’s Note: If you've ever felt like online ads are getting more aggressive (or just plain useless), this piece explains why. It’s a downward spiral: ads get worse, people ignore them, and advertisers double down instead of rethinking their approach. For businesses, it’s a warning that the old playbook isn’t working. For users, it’s a reminder of why ad blockers feel essential—but also why the internet’s "free" model might be headed for a reckoning.
— Curated via WP Now’s
