I wonder whether a less evil version of what Google tried to push would be a better solution to this.

That is, a user might flag themselves - or let their browser suggest something then accept it, but this is all local - as "30-40y old, american, male, passing interest in programming, big into archery and horseback riding", from a big list of possible interests basically. And then ad companies put ads into categories and that's how they get selected.

Also they willingly give it to the cops so they can harass you

Im fine with it because this isnt me.

Jack and the beanstalk (the folk tale) was first published it 1734 (the story of a boy who goes to market with a cow and is talked into exchanging it for "magic beans") in 1734 the key premise of the story was a person making terrible purchases.

The expression "a fool and his money will soon be parted" or a variation of that was first published in 1573 "A foole & his money, be soone at debate: which after with sorow, repents him to late."

People being dumb with money isnt new, if you think targeted advertising, or any modern form of advertising is the root cause (admittedly it definitely cant be helping the situation) Id argue that this is a part of the base human condition.

Im a car guy, so Im always interested in who is selling what, for how much, what features it has and so on. I have absolutely no intent on buying the new Kia EV, but I will read about it briefly.

You have a keen interest in toothbrushes?