What is a potential disadvantage of targeted advertising using mobile technology?

What is a potential disadvantage of targeted advertising using mobile technology?

• A. It can be seen as unethical and a violation of privacy.
• B. It guarantees higher conversion rates regardless of audience.
• C. It eliminates the need for other promotional tools.
• D. It ensures complete consumer consent in all circumstances.

Answer: (A)

Targeted mobile advertising works by collecting data about individuals to tailor messages, which brings the risk that it can be seen as unethical and a violation of privacy. When people feel they are being tracked—by location, app usage, and personal interests—they may become uneasy, distrust the brand, ignore ads, or push back with complaints or stricter regulations. This privacy concern can outweigh the benefits of precision for many users. Even though targeting can sometimes improve relevance, it does not guarantee higher conversions, it doesn’t eliminate the need for other promotional tools, and consent is not always complete or lasting in every situation. Regulatory rules and user expectations continue to shape how comfortable consumers are with mobile targeting.

Targeted mobile advertising works by collecting data about individuals to tailor messages, which brings the risk that it can be seen as unethical and a violation of privacy. When people feel they are being tracked—by location, app usage, and personal interests—they may become uneasy, distrust the brand, ignore ads, or push back with complaints or stricter regulations. This privacy concern can outweigh the benefits of precision for many users. Even though targeting can sometimes improve relevance, it does not guarantee higher conversions, it doesn’t eliminate the need for other promotional tools, and consent is not always complete or lasting in every situation. Regulatory rules and user expectations continue to shape how comfortable consumers are with mobile targeting.