Business of addiction: How the games industry is learning from casinos

Krayzie · September 2017

Beardimus wrote: »

I understand your point @Turelus however its a matter of perception. And I personally don't see the problem in crates any more than I see an issue with every day marketing which is all intended to separate people from their cash with clever tactics.

They are charging a huge premium for items people don't need they just want. If people are willing to pay that much or take the risk thats up to them. And its healthy for the rest if us that the game is profitable as it means longevity

The anti crate argument would stack up if no one bought them i.e. Amazing mounts going to waste but people are. Crate mounts are the most common in the game. Every season sells like hot cakes so as a income generator its working hugely well and enough people are happy with it (rightly or wrongly)

As everything we all agree to differ, I personally have control over impulse and my finances so I'm ok with it all in this game. Others don't and I feel for them but no more about crates than I do then getting sucked into buying the latest Phone or car or exercise thing from a shopping channel! It's all just marketing.

You're comparing virtual items to things that are real life changing and even life saving.

But ya, people are the same exact way when it comes to the new iPhone, boggles my mind

FloppyTouch · September 2017

Turelus wrote: »

@Beardimus it's not about them making money, it's about the way they do it.

I am fine paying someone for a service or items I want, but when they start manipulating the way I get those to get more money from me and I get less out of it then it starts to get insulting.

An example for ESO.

I don't agree with crates but there was the build in mechanic via the gems that there was a limit on the money needed to be spent to get the rarest items. This meant if you REALLY wanted an apex item you could get it with enough investment.

However that wasn't good enough for ZOS, so they went and added items which can't be purchased with gems, meaning anyone who wants that item has no limit on the money they must now spend to obtain it.

It's insulting and rude to the customers who love and support the game.

This I'm 100% fine with the crown store but the fact the started hiding mounts I want is not right. I could spend $1,000s and still not get it(I have tried)

This was the last straw for me. The old system was fair with gems the new system takes advantage of players. Next round I won't try they lost a big spender due to a new choice they made. Yh they already got my money last time that's fine but they won't next time bc I know the drop chance from my own experience.

Jade1986 · September 2017

I would never spend a CENT on a RNG box , that is just ridiculous to me. At least when I go to a casino I have a chance of winning RL money and stuffs, why would I gamble with my RL money for a possibility of getting something in an RNG box

Yarlenzey · September 2017

Consume.
Be Silent.
Die.

(graffiti from the Sydney 'city circle' line in the early 1980's)

clocksstoppe · September 2017

Beardimus wrote: »

Seriously don't get the issue people have with a company making money.

Gambling has to be regulated by a government because children are stupid and don't understand it and fall for it.
All of these games with crates are offering gambling services to children, and the ONLY reason they are not getting punished is because this generation of lawmakers is too incompetent to understand that there is this digital gambling going on. Do you understand what the issue is now or are you going to still pretend ZOS is the good guy?

Doctordarkspawn · September 2017

Beardimus wrote: »

Seriously don't get the issue people have with a company making money.

@Beardimus

The problem isn't a company making money. It's how they do it.

Used to be, you made a product, if it was good, you sold it. You know that old saying? "The customer is allways right?" That used to be part of a different philosophy on buisness. Valve exemplified this philosophy when it made steam. It made it safer, more convenient, and less scary to buy games online instead of pirate them. Steam succeeded by turning pirates into customers using this philosophy and approach to business.

ZOS on the other hand are using psycology, gambling incentive and 'limited supply' (Even though there is no supply limit with digital goods) to force people to buy things at higher prices then they would be willing to pay, or pay far more then something is worth.

If you cant understand why I have a problem with these practices, I dont understand why you value yourself, your money, and your time so low. And that's when you -dont- factor in that kids play this game. Trust me, I've been caught in that trap. And while it's not exactly something 'new' for MMO's, it stings all the more when you consider, unlike those free to play games with low budgets and quality, this game has polish, and a asking price.

You dont gotta sit here and protest it with me. You choose what to do on your time. But please? Do something usefull, because devils advocate on this issue is litterally playing -against- your own interests, and that's not smart. At the very least? Realize, that the more you present yourself to be taken advantage of, the less you keep an eye on your self interest, the more companies and people -will- take advantage of you.

Inarre · September 2017

Worst offenders is games like arch age, pwi and other free mmos with massive pay walls or pay to win aspects.

Zos isnt innocent but not the worst ive ever seen. Not by a long shot. Whales in pwi spend thousands (no exaggeration) every month for pvp gear. Games like that need gambling laws to step in, unfortunately anything international online is like living in international waters and only the most basic limits are set in place to protect players from gambling addiction.

Axoinus · September 2017

Inarre wrote: »

Worst offenders is games like arch age, pwi and other free mmos with massive pay walls or pay to win aspects.

Zos isnt innocent but not the worst ive ever seen. Not by a long shot. Whales in pwi spend thousands (no exaggeration) every month for pvp gear. Games like that need gambling laws to step in, unfortunately anything international online is like living in international waters and only the most basic limits are set in place to protect players from gambling addiction.

Will not happen. There is a big difference. Gambling to obtain currency is a lot different than gambling to obtain access to program code. Long long way to go before gambling laws can cross that line.

AlMcFly · September 2017

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

Doctordarkspawn · September 2017

AlMcFly wrote: »

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

I'll remember that if and when your the one on the other side of the fence.

AlMcFly · September 2017

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

I'll remember that if and when your the one on the other side of the fence.

Lols. Be sure that you do. Every decision in my life was made by myself, and I take full responsibility. To say otherwise is utterly absurd.

Chocolate is unbelievably addictive. If I go to the store, buy $500 worth of chocolate, eat it all in one sitting, get sick and puke all over the parking lot, I don't go back into the store and yell at them for presenting Chocolate to me in such an "enticing" way, and demand they give me my money back.

This is the same type of logic utilized by those who don't want to take responsibility for their own actions.

Doctordarkspawn · September 2017

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

I'll remember that if and when your the one on the other side of the fence.

Lols. Be sure that you do. Every decision in my life was made by myself, and I take full responsibility. To say otherwise is utterly absurd.

Chocolate is unbelievably addictive. If I go to the store, buy $500 worth of chocolate, eat it all in one sitting, get sick and puke all over the parking lot, I don't go back into the store and yell at them for presenting Chocolate to me in such an "enticing" way, and demand they give me my money back.

This is the same type of logic utilized by those who don't want to take responsibility for their own actions.

Except that analogy has *** all to do with this.

The store does not say "BUY ALL CHOCOLATE FOR THIS INFLATED PRICE FOR THIS LIMITED TIME OR GET NONE". The store also does not require you to buy a indeterminate ammount of things to get the chocolate. The tactics, marketing, and approach are completely different. And one is alot more honest.

It's not absurd to say that you can be influenced. And the more you act against your own interest, the easier that becomes to do.

AlMcFly · September 2017

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

I'll remember that if and when your the one on the other side of the fence.

Lols. Be sure that you do. Every decision in my life was made by myself, and I take full responsibility. To say otherwise is utterly absurd.

Chocolate is unbelievably addictive. If I go to the store, buy $500 worth of chocolate, eat it all in one sitting, get sick and puke all over the parking lot, I don't go back into the store and yell at them for presenting Chocolate to me in such an "enticing" way, and demand they give me my money back.

This is the same type of logic utilized by those who don't want to take responsibility for their own actions.

Except that analogy has *** all to do with this.

The store does not say "BUY ALL CHOCOLATE FOR THIS INFLATED PRICE FOR THIS LIMITED TIME OR GET NONE". The store also does not require you to buy a indeterminate ammount of things to get the chocolate. The tactics, marketing, and approach are completely different. And one is alot more honest.

It's not absurd to say that you can be influenced. And the more you act against your own interest, the easier that becomes to do.

Your entire rebuttal lost all intelligence at the point you used the word "require".

Beardimus · September 2017

@Doctordarkspawn we just agree to differ. I'm not being taken advantage of, I've never wasted money on these things, £30 base game, £30 Morrison's and ESO + on and off. And its the cheapest hobby I have. I'm in control of my impulse around pixels and financially happy with my spend. I'm glad others spend more to keep the game profitable.

@clocksstoppe the game is PEGI rated. Of parents let their kids play a game, with a credit card attached that's not ZOS fault.

Again, we agree to differ, for me this is nothing but marketing practices - all of which I actually hate, Apple hype in particular, but i don't fall for personally. ZOS are no different to any company making a buck as I've said before.

Regardless unless the law changes and stops them, or they aren't profitable (we know they are) they are going nowhere.

If you truly believe ZOS are the evil empire, stop supporting the game at all,

Doctordarkspawn · September 2017

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

I'll remember that if and when your the one on the other side of the fence.

Lols. Be sure that you do. Every decision in my life was made by myself, and I take full responsibility. To say otherwise is utterly absurd.

Chocolate is unbelievably addictive. If I go to the store, buy $500 worth of chocolate, eat it all in one sitting, get sick and puke all over the parking lot, I don't go back into the store and yell at them for presenting Chocolate to me in such an "enticing" way, and demand they give me my money back.

This is the same type of logic utilized by those who don't want to take responsibility for their own actions.

Except that analogy has *** all to do with this.

The store does not say "BUY ALL CHOCOLATE FOR THIS INFLATED PRICE FOR THIS LIMITED TIME OR GET NONE". The store also does not require you to buy a indeterminate ammount of things to get the chocolate. The tactics, marketing, and approach are completely different. And one is alot more honest.

It's not absurd to say that you can be influenced. And the more you act against your own interest, the easier that becomes to do.

Your entire rebuttal lost all intelligence at the point you used the word "require".

Then why do you waste time by posting? Refute it or leave it, I'd love to hear you outline how this is totally like a chocolate shop and how everyone should accept responsibility for tactics proven to influence people.

Doctordarkspawn · September 2017

Beardimus wrote: »

@Doctordarkspawn we just agree to differ. I'm not being taken advantage of, I've never wasted money on these things, £30 base game, £30 Morrison's and ESO + on and off. And its the cheapest hobby I have. I'm in control of my impulse around pixels and financially happy with my spend. I'm glad others spend more to keep the game profitable.

@clocksstoppe the game is PEGI rated. Of parents let their kids play a game, with a credit card attached that's not ZOS fault.

Again, we agree to differ, for me this is nothing but marketing practices - all of which I actually hate, Apple hype in particular, but i don't fall for personally. ZOS are no different to any company making a buck as I've said before.

Regardless unless the law changes and stops them, or they aren't profitable (we know they are) they are going nowhere.

If you truly believe ZOS are the evil empire, stop supporting the game at all,

Fine. Go ahed and act against your own self interest.

And when they find a tactic that'll get you to spend alot more I guess you can just justify it however you want. You wanna screw yourself, be my guest.

AlMcFly · September 2017

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

I'll remember that if and when your the one on the other side of the fence.

Lols. Be sure that you do. Every decision in my life was made by myself, and I take full responsibility. To say otherwise is utterly absurd.

Chocolate is unbelievably addictive. If I go to the store, buy $500 worth of chocolate, eat it all in one sitting, get sick and puke all over the parking lot, I don't go back into the store and yell at them for presenting Chocolate to me in such an "enticing" way, and demand they give me my money back.

This is the same type of logic utilized by those who don't want to take responsibility for their own actions.

Except that analogy has *** all to do with this.

The store does not say "BUY ALL CHOCOLATE FOR THIS INFLATED PRICE FOR THIS LIMITED TIME OR GET NONE". The store also does not require you to buy a indeterminate ammount of things to get the chocolate. The tactics, marketing, and approach are completely different. And one is alot more honest.

It's not absurd to say that you can be influenced. And the more you act against your own interest, the easier that becomes to do.

Your entire rebuttal lost all intelligence at the point you used the word "require".

Then why do you waste time by posting? Refute it or leave it,

You may want to start applying your own advice to yourself.

My point was a refutation for the strength of your sanity.

Tavore1138 · September 2017

It's interesting stuff - I took a module at uni called 'Consumer Behaviour' back in the later 80's which was very much aimed at how companies could influence how we buy in any number of ways. That area of study has progressed massively over the years.

The particular problem with crates is that they actually play to two different reinforcing desires - one is the totally legitimate desire to improve or enhance the experience of playing a game you enjoy, doesn't matter if it's crown costumes and DLC for ESO, 'Deluxe' versions of offline games or a pair of trainers with a nicer logo. It's all good as long as you control your disposal income.

But gamble crates also play to that specific gambling impulse that most humans have and some seemingly cannot control - after all there is the reason that gambling is legally controlled in many nations. The law is still catching up with gambling online and the avoidance of gaming laws by use of secondary currencies.

We do all make our own decisions but human decisions are susceptible to a variety of influences that we still don't understand - and to pretend that organisations don't do their best to take advantage of those weaknesses regardless of morality is to be a little naive. So contending that your own decisions are totally free from outside influence is unlikely however much you may believe that.

That aside - I've been played like this before so when they added the extra uber rare mounts to the gamble crates I gave up my completist mount collection and will probably end up saving money overall... unless they add 100 house spaces for my mansion in which case they can probably sell me any old overpriced cosmetic tat for my garden and I will gleefully buy it! (We all have our weaknesses!)

Doctordarkspawn · September 2017

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Doctordarkspawn wrote: »

AlMcFly wrote: »

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

I'll remember that if and when your the one on the other side of the fence.

Lols. Be sure that you do. Every decision in my life was made by myself, and I take full responsibility. To say otherwise is utterly absurd.

Chocolate is unbelievably addictive. If I go to the store, buy $500 worth of chocolate, eat it all in one sitting, get sick and puke all over the parking lot, I don't go back into the store and yell at them for presenting Chocolate to me in such an "enticing" way, and demand they give me my money back.

This is the same type of logic utilized by those who don't want to take responsibility for their own actions.

Except that analogy has *** all to do with this.

The store does not say "BUY ALL CHOCOLATE FOR THIS INFLATED PRICE FOR THIS LIMITED TIME OR GET NONE". The store also does not require you to buy a indeterminate ammount of things to get the chocolate. The tactics, marketing, and approach are completely different. And one is alot more honest.

It's not absurd to say that you can be influenced. And the more you act against your own interest, the easier that becomes to do.

Your entire rebuttal lost all intelligence at the point you used the word "require".

Then why do you waste time by posting? Refute it or leave it,

You may want to start applying your own advice to yourself.

My point was a refutation for the strength of your sanity.

No. Your post was a direct personal insult instead of actually refuting the point.

Tell me how these practices built on marketing, tying things into these practices inherently to make people spend alot of cash at once or nickle and dime them, or using repetition through adverts to sell people things, are one hundred percent in the control of the people who play the game, and how it's justified over a more honest practice. Explain to me the merit of that system, over a more direct system.

Please, tell me how it makes sense to charge over 100 dollars for the new manor, and have it available for four days, rather then let it be perminant, let people save, and rake in more profit over time. Tell me how that logic makes sense.

Alternatively, quit playing corporate champion, and let it go.

rotaugen454 · September 2017

I have a monthly "entertainment" budget. I can spend it on ESO, I can spend it on movies, games, collectibles, whatever. I tend to have a fair amount saved up, as it goes into a separate checking account and I don't spend a lot of it per month. I can't go below zero balance, so there is a finite amount I will be able to spend. I never have to chose between entertainment or paying the mortgage. I and I alone am responsible for what I spend. It doesn't matter what marketing gimmicks any company uses, it won't change my set limits. Anyone dipping into needed funds to buy anything game related can't blame the game company.

Queo · September 2017

So much LOL, so little time...

Of course this game is nothing more then a giant commercial to sell its products... and of course its the duty of a commercial to hype products....

Im looking forward to reading the article, and popping pop corn to read this thread...

Arthg · September 2017

No surprise the strong support a system that crushes the weak and leave the strong unharmed - comforting them in their knowledge of their strength.

There used to be a time when you could do business without preying on the weak and flattering the lowest instincts.
Just making decent, honest $$.

Now it's all about turning people into addicts, preferably from a young age onwards.
To endorse such predatory behaviour - shame, really.

rotaugen454 · September 2017

Arthg wrote: »

No surprise the strong support a system that crushes the weak and leave the strong unharmed - comforting them in their knowledge of their strength.

There used to be a time when you could do business without preying on the weak and flattering the lowest instincts.
Just making decent, honest $$.

Now it's all about turning people into addicts, preferably from a young age onwards.
To endorse such predatory behaviour - shame, really.

People turn themselves into gaming addicts by not thinking things through. Your line of thinking absolves anyone from any sort of personal responsibility. Just blame someone else or an "evil corporation" when you make unwise choices.

Rohamad_Ali · September 2017

The worse part is we don't get casino benefits like a Players card for the all you can eat buffet .

Doctordarkspawn · September 2017

rotaugen454 wrote: »

Arthg wrote: »

No surprise the strong support a system that crushes the weak and leave the strong unharmed - comforting them in their knowledge of their strength.

There used to be a time when you could do business without preying on the weak and flattering the lowest instincts.
Just making decent, honest $$.

Now it's all about turning people into addicts, preferably from a young age onwards.
To endorse such predatory behaviour - shame, really.

People turn themselves into gaming addicts by not thinking things through. Your line of thinking absolves anyone from any sort of personal responsibility. Just blame someone else or an "evil corporation" when you make unwise choices.

Personally, I'm more of a mind to point out how inefficient the system is, both in terms of maximizing profit and player appreciation.

Half the stuff sold through crown crates, if priced sensibly could sell like hotcakes. The forced ''limited supply' crap drives more people away then it does entice. The system they have in place now is just built to milk as much profit as they can from people now, not maximize profit over the long term, and it's likely a sign they dont expect this game to go on much longer.

Tavore1138 · September 2017

rotaugen454 wrote: »

Arthg wrote: »

No surprise the strong support a system that crushes the weak and leave the strong unharmed - comforting them in their knowledge of their strength.

There used to be a time when you could do business without preying on the weak and flattering the lowest instincts.
Just making decent, honest $$.

Now it's all about turning people into addicts, preferably from a young age onwards.
To endorse such predatory behaviour - shame, really.

People turn themselves into gaming addicts by not thinking things through. Your line of thinking absolves anyone from any sort of personal responsibility. Just blame someone else or an "evil corporation" when you make unwise choices.

There's a pretty large body of study that supports addiction not being something that can be simply or easily controlled by those who are most susceptible to it.

BuddyAces · September 2017

AlMcFly wrote: »

Meh. This is entertainment. If you aren't able to control yourself and only spend what your budget comfortably allows, that's not ZOS' fault. Get some personal responsibility in your life. Sure ZOS uses addictive tactics. Those who fall for these tactics to the point of jeopardizing their livelihood are just weak-minded people who lack control of themselves. It's not society's responsibility to make sure you are in control of yourself. It's yours, and yours alone.

I'll get your back here. Agree with eveeything you have been saying. I'll happily rag on ZOS the second they warrant it but this is not one of those times. Yes they use slimy sales tactics but not one person is being forced to buy anything. Anyone arguing against you just looks like they were raised in the generation that can not accept personal liability and must deflect blame.

Listen to this poster I have quoted. He knows what he is talking about. ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS.

GreenhaloX · September 2017

Hey.. it is a business and all businesses are all about continuously making profits. Well, not that I am a psychologist or anything, but we, human, all have some sort of an addictive personality and are quite impressionistic in some ways, shape or form, in general; some may be stronger than others. Doesn't matter of it be cigarette, alcohol, drugs, sex.. yadda, yadda, there will always those entities or enterprises that will exploit such of our human natures to bring out such addictive personality, and unfortunately, those who are not as strong will fall quicker as prey; whether it be video games or anything else. Some people are easier to go cold turkey on something, whereas it is not so easily for many others. Business are somewhat a lot like the hunter/prey context.

AlMcFly · September 2017

Tavore1138 wrote: »

rotaugen454 wrote: »

Arthg wrote: »

No surprise the strong support a system that crushes the weak and leave the strong unharmed - comforting them in their knowledge of their strength.

There used to be a time when you could do business without preying on the weak and flattering the lowest instincts.
Just making decent, honest $$.

Now it's all about turning people into addicts, preferably from a young age onwards.
To endorse such predatory behaviour - shame, really.

People turn themselves into gaming addicts by not thinking things through. Your line of thinking absolves anyone from any sort of personal responsibility. Just blame someone else or an "evil corporation" when you make unwise choices.

There's a pretty large body of study that supports addiction not being something that can be simply or easily controlled by those who are most susceptible to it.

Levels of "susceptibility" shouldn't be under question. It's irrefutable that there are those more susceptible to addiction than others, simply due to their biology.

The real question is who gets the blame. Corporations utilizing these tactics, in my opinion, are not to blame. Corporations would not use these tactics if their efficacy did not already exist. Attacking corporate tactics is just applying a bandaide on a gaping wound.

Society as a whole may be to blame a little. Honestly though, I put full blame on Parents, and the modern family, for not properly shielding and preparing their children for these influences in the world. The modern parent constantly seeks to shirk their parenting duties onto society and big business. If you want strong children, you need to ensure your children are raised to be strong. Being an absentee parent, then blaming society for their failure offspring, is terribly common practice today.

Nestor · September 2017

As long as we succumb to our addictions, companies will exploit our addictions.

Just wait until the whole face recognition systems come online. Then advertisers will target you based on the stores you went to yesterday. Just like in Minority Report.

We are all just Sheeple for the Corporate Wolves to feast upon.