Evidence of internet manipulation
This past weekend, I have been shocked by the invasive messages sent to consumers through web mediums. I first started thinking about this because of a great article on ReadWriteWeb about Facebook deactivation: the writer explains that when he tried to get rid of his account, a message appeared informing him that his friends would be unable stay in touch if he went through with the deactivation. Pictures pop up of particular people who will “miss you”, and the writer notes that they were all people he knows relatively well. Also, he notes that Facebook will continue to send you emails after deactivation unless you “opt out” of emails.
The manipulation evident from this article is in no way singular; my friend received an email from Urban Outfitters today telling him to call his mother (i.e. “did you forget about Mother’s Day? If so, you can make up for it by buying her something from our store!”). Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for Mother’s Day. I would just prefer that Urban Outfitters not tell me to call my mom, and that Facebook not guilt trip me for quitting their club.
-Gabrielle