Inappropriate Video Game Advertisement

Question

Recently on this website, I've been seeing an advertisement for a video game that is a little bit troubling. It's for some sort of video game that is definitely rated M. I'm sure that there are plenty of kids that use this site, and plenty of parents don't want their kids seeing stuff like this. Here's what's in the ad:

1. An extreme amount of violence (stabbing and shooting at people, blowing up cars, causing chain explosions, etc.)

2. Frightening scenes (Psychic abilities of some form that briefly fill the screen with blood-red, disturbing images.)

3. Brief scene where a character is passing by a darkened alley with several scantily clad women.

Make no mistake: I enjoy some violent games, and some are perfectly fine. But if I knew this ad was going to be seen by an 8 year old or younger, I would be a little bit worried. I understand that SpanishDict needs a way to make money, but could something be done about this ad?

Worst case scenario, a teacher shows this to a third grade class, and this ad shows up. Not good...

Gracias

I agree. I think violent video games make people more violent-driven and are contributing to the real madness we live in some cities and countries. - samrodrigue_z, Jan 8, 2014

I will probably get banned for this but sometimes adds 'follow' you. That can be prevented. - dennywells, Jan 8, 2014

https://www.abine.com/products/index.php - dennywells, Jan 8, 2014

Samrodrigue, most of the violence and madness you talk about happens in places and with people who don't even have video games. I've been playing them since I was three and have yet to assault someone. - Vida_de_Scott, Jan 8, 2014

I'll join the "meet me at the computer; that's where I kill" bandwagon. IMO, video games at a certain age can actually help with violent tendencies. I really think, though, that people should have an adblocker handy when browsing the net. - Helado_eclectico, Jan 8, 2014

Adblockers arent always evil. Used effectively, they help to keep your monitor screen squeaky pure and kid-friendly :) - Helado_eclectico, Jan 8, 2014

I get addsfor chilean stores. So the specific adds must be ip-based - comunacho, Jan 8, 2014

Answer 1

I'm going to answer this question to get the red off and because I have done some research on the subject. The subject is vast so I will generalize.

Website often have other companies manage their ad space. There are also companies that track your web history and develop a profile on your internet activity so they can target you with adds that ostensibly mirror your interests. Social network sites do it too. We may not even be seeing the same adds. Unless you are blocking the tracking attempts you will mysteriously see adds from sites you have visited "following you around the net".

It's a double edged sword because albeit a privacy issue for many, it helps keep the content free.

I never see any adds on my computer when on the SD site other than the one for their app. I do get adds on my android phone. The simple but effective "tracking blocking" software added on to my browser has blocked 60,000 tracking attempts in one month... It's a huge business now.

We had this same conversation a while back and I learned (from Rodney I think) that on sites such as this one, entire conversations are tracked so the ads you see on your page view, may be related to something in someone elses post on a shared page. - 0095ca4c, Jan 8, 2014

Wow, that's right up there with google scanning gmail. - dennywells, Jan 8, 2014

Yes, I looked for camera for a christmas present, now I get offered cameras ad nauseum. Ad block does help a lot though.. And money has to be made, I can understand that. - annierats, Jan 9, 2014

Answer 2

I'm going to agree with Denny here.
For our website my friends and I wanted to have some ads. Our ads (and most sites') are managed by a third party who has complete control over which ads go up. For us, we used Google Adsense, so Google manages all of our ads.

Google has algorithms that track your internet usage and displays ads matchign what they think you'll like. Some times the ads are spot on (I was going to buy some formal clothes and I saw a JC Penny ad for khakis pop up) and some are way off-base (your ad on videogames for one).

I really doubt a young child will see any of those ads unless their web-browsing habits tend to indicate that they'll be interested in that type of game.

HackerKing, thanks for sharing your knowledge. - dennywells, Jan 9, 2014

Answer 3

Thank you dennywells for your answer. I kind of doubt that this ad is appearing to me because of tracking software, because the computer I'm writing this on only permits the use of 2 or 3 websites, and none of them have anything to do with games.

I am no longer seeing the ad now, so maybe it was shut down by something. Thanks everybody for your answers.

¡Hasta Luego!

Yes, I see what you mean. Per Margherite's comment.could even be the keywood "game" that triggers it. - dennywells, Jan 8, 2014

Ironically, this post will probably make things worse...sorry, couldn't resist:) - dennywells, Jan 8, 2014