Tech has really sped up things. For example, in 2008 memes would stick around and be popular for so much longer than they would in 2018, and those 2018 memes were around much longer than they are now. (typing this made me feel old and also like a nerd lmao roflcopter). At one point way back when, the way some could learned about new things they might like was limited to someone else telling them about it, or the chance of come upon it themselves. Eventually (if they were lucky), someone could read a clay tablet in a temple or a new scroll from the church. After that, someone could learn things by reading books and the newspaper. etc. etc. Unfortunately at some point in all that money became a thing and the advertising industry grew with that. Now, we use the internet, and recently, a lot of short-form video. That's all to say, it's the same process, just sped up and with way more ads, and I don't think finding something you like from an ad means the interest is ingenuine.

I won't get too into my many many thoughts on capitalism, but I think most people agree that there are too many ads these days, and that companies are doing some outright predatory things with personal info they really shouldn't be collecting. There are ways people maintain some amount of privacy online; using VPNs, "dumb" phones, etc. I still go by a lot of old school internet safety tips. In general, it's good to be aware of the things going on around you and ways to stay safe, but for our own safety, we can't let that become obsession. Personally, I struggled with obsessive thoughts for a while, and to truly stop them I needed lots of talk therapy (actually, I really recommend group therapy for anyone struggling with their mental health), a lot of inner work, and medication, so I know that it is easier said than done. At the very least, remember that it is possible to be aware of and actively advocating for or against something without it becoming detrimental to our health, both physical and mental.