Many computer users run a modified version of a content blocker every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of the content blocker which is widely used today is often called an ad blocker, and many of its users are not aware that it is basically a generic content blocker with a particularly popular block list preloaded.
People who have particular sensitivity to attention changes ('attention deficit' might be a term for it, but there are other ways it can manifest) are going to be affected disproportionately by this, even if they don't disproportionately make up the revenue of the platform.
Because of the increased sensitivity, the disruption also has the potential to affect the neurodivergent user more destructively than the neurotypical one.
You can make the case that 'if you can't handle YouTube ads, don't go on YouTube', but then that runs counter to a lot of YouTube's content marketing and brand image. So if you take that stance, you then have to necessarily question the motives behind their other choices.
This is exactly the same as TV and radio ads have been for decades now. Which ad is served is not at all relevant.
> You can make the case that 'if you can't handle YouTube ads, don't go on YouTube', but then that runs counter to a lot of YouTube's content marketing and brand image. So if you take that stance, you then have to necessarily question the motives behind their other choices.
Take some damned personal responsibility. If something is causing you distress, stop doing it. Whether it's cigarettes, alcohol or youtube, it doesn't matter.
I'm sorry but that's just incorrect, and on top of that, you've fixated on the wrong point. The form does affect the impact on the users heavily, and can be observed by how long a given user spends looking at an ad vs how long a television ad holds someone's attention (if you doubt this, feel free to conduct an A/B test and find out for yourself). And the point I was making was that the way the ads are designed and delivered has a feedback loop MUCH more rapid than TV and radio ads, and the algorithms exploit that. Don't argue with a strawman.
>Take some damned personal responsibility. If something is causing you distress, stop doing it. Whether it's cigarettes, alcohol or youtube, it doesn't matter.
I'm not taking responsibility for anyone, sorry. I'm talking about a group of people, not myself. Regardless, this component of your reply was just plain silly. Please don't try to talk to people like that.
Get rid of that wheelchair, just walk like a normal person!
ADHD sucks and I have a lot to thank to these types of tools for acting as my "crutches" that allowed me get where I am today.