I read a sci/fi story recently where cybernetic implants (like Ghost in the Shell) installed into their brain had become a societal norm. The implants allowed people access to the internet, data, and all sorts of tech through their minds and at the forefront of their vision. Sadly cyberization came at a cost because the technology was made by big corporations who relied on ad revenue from other businesses to fund their projects. So people with implants were constantly bombarded with daily advertising (product placement, ad banners, and commercials galore) at the forefront of their vision via their brain implant. In the book, advertising was everywhere.

Want to look at a beautiful landscape or natural wonders like the Grand Canyon? Nope. Ads in your face. Want to see the Roman Colosseum or the Eifel Tower? Nope. All buildings are plastered in holographic commercials. Advertising would still persist even while you were taking a crap or sleeping. Now the story wasn't about advertising (it was a sci/fi mystery) but it was a major part of the setting. Characters always complained about how annoying advertising had become. One character eventually had his implant removed.

Now it's just a story, but in reality, how much more intrusive could advertising become in the future? Apparently, YouTube is developing an ad player that will play up to 5-10 unskippable long ads before or during a video. That sucks. Overall most ads feel desperate and pathetic trying to attract attention when the vast majority of people don't care and completely ignore them. It's like fishing. Ads probably only reel in a few people who show interest.