Tourists cant escape themselves
Times Square just got creepier. According to reports, the billboards now scan passerby data to show targeted ads in real time. In the city that never sleeps, your browsing history is now on a 20-story screen.
“Imagine walking through Midtown and suddenly seeing your abandoned shopping cart projected on the Nasdaq building,” explained one marketing exec. “Thats the future of commerce.” Locals call it the end of privacy, though tourists seem thrilled to watch their Instagram handles light up like Broadway marquees.
Reactions vary. “I saw a giant ad reminding me to call my mom,” groaned one commuter. Another said, “It showed me my own face eating pizza last night. I dont even remember being photographed.” Meanwhile, a New Jersey man was forced to publicly confront his secret love of Crocs in front of thousands.
Tabloids gasped. “BIG BROTHER BILLBOARD” screamed the Post. The Daily News countered: “AD YOU LIKE IT.” TikToks #BillboardMe trend went viral as influencers staged proposals under their own targeted ads.
Mayor Adams defended the move, calling it “a natural extension of surveillance chic.” Governor Hochul promised to install a “skip ad” button, but only for premium MetroCard holders.
For now, Times Square is less about neon glamour and more about confronting your Amazon recommendations in public.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/times-square-billboards-show-personalized-ads/
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/times-square-billboards-show-personalized-ads/.
By: Annika Steinmann.
