Are Targeted Social Media Adverts Adding to Your Grief?

"This is the result of having targeted adverts based on people's previous pregnancy-related searches. After finding out that they are pregnant, it is all too common for women (and the men in their lives) to search the web for information related to their pregnancy. Thus, algorithms identify people who are pregnant, and targeted adverts can be sent to those they think are relevant."

"The BBC article provides some great insight into why social media users can be vulnerable to targeted adverts and provides a good opportunity to think about this from a holistic social media perspective, especially as there are also other categories of people who find targeted ads upsetting, such as those with addictions or food-related issues. It has even been found that as many as 86 percent of online users find that seeing too many ads on a web page generally makes them feel overwhelmed."

"It is not uncommon that people take to social media in the hope that it will have a therapeutic effect. For many, it becomes a platform for sharing their experience with those who have experienced something similar. It can also be seen as a means to cope with grief. However, there does not seem to be any clear research evidence to support that this works."

Targeted baby adverts on social media can upset and stress women who have suffered miscarriages because algorithms identify pregnancy-related searches and serve relevant ads. Pregnancy-related web searches by women (and their partners) trigger ad targeting that continues even after a loss. Other vulnerable groups, such as people with addictions or food-related issues, also experience distress from targeted ads. Excessive online advertising leaves many users feeling overwhelmed, with studies reporting up to 86 percent affected. Social media is often used for sharing experiences and coping with grief, but clear research evidence for therapeutic benefits remains lacking. Low social support increases depression risk after miscarriage.

Read at Psychology Today