Comment by wand3r

I understand that, and I kind if alluded to this being a concept less than a well thought out policy. If it was strictly profit, then all expenses of the business would be written against advertising and miraculously there would be 0 profit. My general point is that advertising revenue is insanely easy to get, especially with auctions and technology from google. Some of the problems and perverse incentives: - negative engagement in media - advertising screens at gas stations - popups everywhere - hardware devices you own display ads - software you purchase has ads - streaming services you bought without ads have ads added later

You all participate in society, so you get it. Advertising has become a tragedy of the commons and 2nd order effects are things like negative engagement and body dysmorphia. There needs to be a vice tax for advertisements to stop them from being bolted on everywhere. Lobbyists, smart policy makers, economists and lawmakers can come together to find the right mix. However, we should disincentivize it AND use it to make up for budget shortfalls.