I am not a tech person. So, I don't know much about what media and technology can or cannot do. But there are many stories around about ads or articles popping up in front of you to make you feel superstitious. Like once I was in need of some shoes or sandals and the next few weeks I have seen more shoes ads for a lifetime.

This time it was more weird.
My wife was watching some TV, and in the background was a song. She said something about that lady singer. The next few days I saw and read three articles about that singer who is now in her eighties. One of them said that she has a 60 years old handicapped son, and she is still taking care of him.

I don't know if it was a coincidence, but three times is hard to swallow as a coincidence.

Do you have any of the following:

• A home assistant device, like those made by Amazon or Google
• A smartphone running a social media app
• Any other software that connects to a microphone on a device and is owned by a company that derives its income from advertising

If you do, that's likely why the targeted advertising was mentioning those things to you.

Chaosmagnet has it right. Personally, I find it creepy as hell.

Yep, Google,Amazon,Microsoft,Apple,Facebook, some smart tv's, etc have all been known to listen to the microphone for key words to deliver advertising.

You know, it really calls for some creative pushback against the new "Man." What's Klingon for "I need new flip-flops!"?

can't spell it out without breaking forum rules but any time my wife leaves her phone sitting I pick it up and say "redacted" to it hoping it will gear and toss out some related ads

Well... here is a site for the 'flip flops'

https://www.cafepress.com/+star-trek-klingon+flip-flops

Haha, awesome!

An algorithm? YouTube is bad about spying on people. I was thinking about applying for ALONE (100 days away from people? Sign me up) and it bombarded me with clips from the show for weeks. Watched a few Pawn Stars clips and for months now I open YouTube and I have a clip waiting. I agree, it's creepy at times. I also get onto a lot of sites that won't let you proceed without accepting cookies. Even some places that sell blade steel are doing it I just back away and find another site

Well, it is a typical home.
Smart phones are all over the place. Kids are going around with smart phones, tablets or iPads.
Smart Tv is in the center of the house, and Netflex or similar are running all the time.

And yes, bell rings alot with delivery vans bringing stuff from Amazon ..etc.
So, kids are super busy ordering stuff of all kinds.

Maybe I should talk about my favorite stuff (tools, bushcraft kits, etc) and have them pop up more frequently. LOL.
And as a bonus, maybe the kids will hear me, and surprize me with some gifts. LOL.