If in real life, someone that you didn’t know covertly left you little reminders of things that you like or enjoy in places that you would be likely to see them, that would be…
THE STORY
…Ummm…kind of stalker-ish. Super creepy even. Like you might even call the police. But in cyberworld, if Facebook/Instagram does it, it’s “targeted advertising”. Does anyone else find it creepy or is it just me? Obviously it isn’t just me since Mark Zuckerberg just spent ten hours testifying before the U.S. Congress in regard to privacy concerns. Facebook and targeted ads in general (I’m lookin’ at you Amazon and Google) have been kind of freaking me out since way before the whole Cambridge Analytica scandal.
It often seems like Facebook is somehow listening in to our conversations, hence the proliferation of conspiracy theories that they are listening to us through the microphones on our phones. While that most likely isn’t the case, what they are doing is a whole hell of a lot scarier. Take a gander at this article that outlines in detail, exactly how Facebook seems to be tracking you as if they had you microchipped in your sleep.
I don’t use my personal Facebook much although I do stay pretty active with my blog FB page, but even so, they keep track of exactly what I’m up to via Instagram. And while there are probably a gazillion companies that utilize cookies for targeted advertising, for some reason Facebook just seems so much more invasive. That’s probably due to the fact that Facebook knows a whole lot more “personal” information about each of us as opposed to say, JCPenney. While JCPenney knows that you’ve been repeatedly visiting that killer pair of heels waiting for them to go on sale, Facebook on the other hand knows who your best friend is, the names of your dogs, where you went to high school…hell, they even know where you went to dinner last night.
I know that with the digital age, the days of true privacy are long gone. But still, Facebook has become almost Orwellian. I considered deleting my page, but then I would also lose my blog FB page. Also, even if you delete your FB page they are still apparently able to track you through various pieces of code and third party apps. It’s a case of damned if you do, damned if you don’t. You can however limit the ad targeting. I changed all of my settings that were recommended in this article and I also turned off the ad tracking in my security settings on my phone after I saw that recommended here. Do I feel less “stalked” now that I’ve changed the settings? Not necessarily, but at least it’s something…
THE OUTFIT
Yep…another day, another kimono. My kimono love runs deep my friends. Seriously, you can throw a kimono over just about anything to jazz it up; a kimono has the power to make jeans and a white tee into an outfit. This particular kimono I discovered at JCP a few weeks back during one of their buy one get one sales. I love the more fitted top and cute little flutter sleeves. And in case you’re interested, since the top is fitted, I sized up to a large (I typically wear a small in a looser fit kimono).
The super fab orchid sandals were also a buy one get one deal, but this time at Target. They were the “get one” when I purchased my white ankle booties. Since they have a block heel (and it’s not really high), they are quite comfortable. I wore them to work all day without a problem. That’s always a huge bonus…shoes that are pretty and comfortable. Since my foot surgery last year I try to stick to block heels whenever possible, and if the heel is much higher then 2 1/2″ I need a little bit of a platform in the front to balance out the height of the heel.
THE TIP
If you don’t already have a few, pick up some kimonos. They honestly work with so many things and are such an easy way to add some flair to an otherwise basic outfit.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Kimono: JCPenney; Sandals: Target; Jeans: JCPenney (Similar); Tee: Similar
