Just this week my friend and I were chatting about traveling to a Caribbean island for the best deal possible. I jokingly (but seriously) said, “let’s just keep saying it so that our phone sends the message to our social media. We’ll get some pretty good deals later”. My friend didn’t know what I was talking about. I explained that Instagram like other social media is tuning into key words, patterns, locations, etc. that are transmitted from our phones so that they can analyze the data and provide product/service ads they believe we want. It’s pretty genius … and creepy!!!
Sure enough my Instagram feed was loaded with native ads of travels, resorts, and beaches. Although it’s somewhat unsettling to feel that someone or something is eavesdropping on your private conversations, it’s also quite helpful when you simply receive what you’re thinking about and haven’t made any real effort to start researching it. It’s just “right there”, like magic.
I certainly respond to the ads by clicking on links that I believe are authentic. The interactions usually are user friendly and seamless. I am able to continue on my Instagram page while I view the ad and “shop” on their site. The experience is not frustrating which allows me to truly consider the offer.
Smart About S.M.A.R.T Goals 