Advertising overload: Difference between revisions

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Ever since the introduction of cookies in the early 1990s, websites have been trying to make progressively more money off of advertisers. This pattern used to be easily thwarted, as in the early days of the web, consumers could simply choose not to visit these websites to avoid being so pervasively served advertisements. Unfortunately, in modern times, consumers lack this capability, as mass advertising has now become a systemic problem. Popular news sources, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others, are filled to the brim with advertisements. As mentioned by publications such as The Huffington Post,<ref>https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297</ref> The Conversation,<ref>https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980</ref> and B2,<ref>https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/</ref> the web itself has too many ads.

==== Banner Ads ====

====Banner Ads====

Banner ads are the most common form of web ads and one of the oldest forms of digital advertising, usually appearing as rectangular graphics at the top, bottom, or sides of a webpage. However, despite their pervasiveness, their effectiveness has been questioned due to phenomena such as '''banner blindness''', where users unconsciously ignore ad-like content. Banner ads work only if they are rightly placed, well designed, and relevant.<ref name=":7">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach</ref>

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===Windows===

During the use of Windows, users may encounter various types of advertisements, particularly in specific applications, services, or interfaces. Here’s an overview of the most common types of ads that appear in Windows environments:

==== 1. Microsoft Store Ads ====

* '''Where they appear''': Within the Microsoft Store app, which is used to download apps, games, and other software.

* '''What they look like''': Promoted apps or games displayed prominently on the homepage or in search results.

==== 2. Start Menu and Lock Screen Ads<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/76s2fq/windows_10_puts_ads_inside_the_start_menu/</ref> ====

* '''Where they appear''': On the '''Start Menu''' (e.g., suggested apps) or the '''Lock Screen''' (e.g., background images with promotional content).

* '''What they look like''': Tiles or notifications promoting Microsoft services like OneDrive, Office 365, or third-party apps.

==== 3. In-App Ads (e.g., Microsoft Solitaire, Weather, News) ====

* '''Where they appear''': In pre-installed Microsoft apps like '''Solitaire Collection''', '''Weather''', '''News''', or '''Sports'''.

* '''What they look like''': Banner ads, video ads, or interstitial ads (full-screen ads between levels or content).

* '''Purpose''': To monetize free versions of apps, with options to remove ads through paid subscriptions

==== 4. Bing Ads in Search and Widgets ====

* '''Where they appear''': In the '''Bing Search Bar''' (on the taskbar) or the '''Widgets Panel''' (accessible via Win + W).

* '''What they look like''': Sponsored search results or promoted content within the widgets interface.

==== 5. Outlook.com Ads (Free Version) ====

* '''Where they appear''': In the free version of '''Outlook.com''' (web or app).

* '''What they look like''': Banner ads or promotional emails within the inbox.

* '''Purpose''': To monetize the free email service, with ads removed in the paid (Microsoft 365) version.

==== 6. Edge Browser Ads ====

* '''Where they appear''': In the '''Microsoft Edge''' browser, particularly on the '''New Tab Page''' or within certain websites.

* '''What they look like''': Promoted content, sponsored news articles, or shopping suggestions.

==== 7. Windows Tips and Notifications ====

* '''Where they appear''': In the '''Action Center''' or as pop-up notifications.

* '''What they look like''': Tips or suggestions to try new features, services, or apps (e.g., OneDrive, Microsoft 365).

==== 8. Game Bar and Xbox App Ads ====

* '''Where they appear''': In the '''Xbox Game Bar''' (accessible via Win + G) or the '''Xbox App'''.

'''What they look like''': Promotions for Xbox Game Pass, new game releases, or in-game content.

==== How to Reduce or Disable Ads in Windows: ====

There’s the option to disable some of these ads, as shown in [https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-remove-most-annoying-ads-from-windows this] guide.

==References==

@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 Ever since the introduction of cookies in the early 1990s, websites have been trying to make progressively more money off of advertisers. This pattern used to be easily thwarted, as in the early days of the web, consumers could simply choose not to visit these websites to avoid being so pervasively served advertisements. Unfortunately, in modern times, consumers lack this capability, as mass advertising has now become a systemic problem. Popular news sources, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others, are filled to the brim with advertisements. As mentioned by publications such as The Huffington Post,<ref>https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297</ref> The Conversation,<ref>https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980</ref> and B2,<ref>https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/</ref> the web itself has too many ads.
-==== Banner Ads ====
+====Banner Ads====
 Banner ads are the most common form of web ads and one of the oldest forms of digital advertising, usually appearing as rectangular graphics at the top, bottom, or sides of a webpage. However, despite their pervasiveness, their effectiveness has been questioned due to phenomena such as '''banner blindness''', where users unconsciously ignore ad-like content. Banner ads work only if they are rightly placed, well designed, and relevant.<ref name=":7">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach</ref>
@@ Line 85: / Line 85: @@
 ===Windows===
+During the use of Windows, users may encounter various types of advertisements, particularly in specific applications, services, or interfaces. Here’s an overview of the most common types of ads that appear in Windows environments:
+==== 1. Microsoft Store Ads ====
+* '''Where they appear''': Within the Microsoft Store app, which is used to download apps, games, and other software.
+* '''What they look like''': Promoted apps or games displayed prominently on the homepage or in search results.
+==== 2. Start Menu and Lock Screen Ads<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/76s2fq/windows_10_puts_ads_inside_the_start_menu/</ref> ====
+* '''Where they appear''': On the '''Start Menu''' (e.g., suggested apps) or the '''Lock Screen''' (e.g., background images with promotional content).
+* '''What they look like''': Tiles or notifications promoting Microsoft services like OneDrive, Office 365, or third-party apps.
+==== 3. In-App Ads (e.g., Microsoft Solitaire, Weather, News) ====
+* '''Where they appear''': In pre-installed Microsoft apps like '''Solitaire Collection''', '''Weather''', '''News''', or '''Sports'''.
+* '''What they look like''': Banner ads, video ads, or interstitial ads (full-screen ads between levels or content).
+* '''Purpose''': To monetize free versions of apps, with options to remove ads through paid subscriptions
+==== 4. Bing Ads in Search and Widgets ====
+* '''Where they appear''': In the '''Bing Search Bar''' (on the taskbar) or the '''Widgets Panel''' (accessible via Win + W).
+* '''What they look like''': Sponsored search results or promoted content within the widgets interface.
+==== 5. Outlook.com Ads (Free Version) ====
+* '''Where they appear''': In the free version of '''Outlook.com''' (web or app).
+* '''What they look like''': Banner ads or promotional emails within the inbox.
+* '''Purpose''': To monetize the free email service, with ads removed in the paid (Microsoft 365) version.
+==== 6. Edge Browser Ads ====
+* '''Where they appear''': In the '''Microsoft Edge''' browser, particularly on the '''New Tab Page''' or within certain websites.
+* '''What they look like''': Promoted content, sponsored news articles, or shopping suggestions.
+==== 7. Windows Tips and Notifications ====
+* '''Where they appear''': In the '''Action Center''' or as pop-up notifications.
+* '''What they look like''': Tips or suggestions to try new features, services, or apps (e.g., OneDrive, Microsoft 365).
+==== 8. Game Bar and Xbox App Ads ====
+* '''Where they appear''': In the '''Xbox Game Bar''' (accessible via Win + G) or the '''Xbox App'''.
+'''What they look like''': Promotions for Xbox Game Pass, new game releases, or in-game content.
+==== How to Reduce or Disable Ads in Windows: ====
+There’s the option to disable some of these ads, as shown in [https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-remove-most-annoying-ads-from-windows this] guide.
 ==References==