Monday, October 6, 2014

Facebook is Spying On Me

This week my Internet & Interactive Marketing Course left me thinking about how marketing can be both amazing and terrifying. In this week’s class we touched a little on innovation and interactive displays and I immediately thought of the bus display from Pepsi Max.  This creative execution was extremely engaging for those interacting with the display, who no doubt were left with a pretty positive brand experience.  Furthermore, their YouTube video has over 6.5 million views and they grabbed coverage in many marketing publications, including Mashable.  

Pepsi was able to extend an experiential display and go somewhat ‘viral,’ while also attracting media attention—not an easy feat for an out-of-home marketing tactic. Peapod did something similar, with a virtual ‘grocery store’ at different subway stops in 2012.  Both, in my opinion, are exciting examples of how companies used innovative technologies to market their products.   

Marketing has also never been more relevant to target audiences.  I got engaged this past year and almost immediate my Facebook ads were wedding-themed (and weight-loss which was awfully PRESUMPTUOUS of you Facebook!). These ads of course got my attention—happy couples with that photographer! I actually found some incredibly useful.  

On the other hand, when I reflected on this, it really made me think about how much information I’m giving to Facebook about myself.   1. 3 billion people are registered on Facebook and freely hand over their relationship status, interests and sometimes even location.  According to recent reports, Facebook’s new Atlas platform will allow advertisers to granularly target and reach consumers outside of Facebook.  The advertising industry is particularly excited about the mobile targeting the new platform will allow.  


As a marketer, I will admit that I am excited about these targeting opportunities through Facebook and really across the industry. However, as a consumer, it definitely makes me think twice about who I give my information to freely.  Time for another privacy settings update for me!

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