Microtargeting: A Psychological Tug-of-War: The Cat & Dog Analogy
Who is familiar with microtargeting? All of us, whether we realize it or not. We encounter it every day in politics, business, education, non-profits, etc. It's a strategy that tailors specific messages to small groups of people using detailed data about their demographics, preferences, and behaviors. It even studies someone like me, living in the middle of nowhere, who might feel irrelevant to the big picture.
Where does this data come from? Everywhere. If you’re reading this through a screen or have ever given any of your information to anyone – you’re being studied. This system analyzes your activity on your devices, they tap into consumer databases, health-related databases, voter registration files, etc. They know everything about you. They know your strengths, your weaknesses, your concerns, interests, needs, wants, and demands.
Targeting like this preys on vulnerabilities and often breaches ethical boundaries. Without boring you too much, it has the power to be wildly manipulative. It uses advanced persuasion techniques that tap into your emotions, trigger psychological responses, and influence your actions. Who cares, right? All they'll see on my devices are my endless cat video searches. That won't help them rule the world. Well, think again.
Your cat media activity, pet supply purchases, and browsing behavior related to cat content allow them to customize your media feeds with content that resonates with cat lovers. This includes informative articles, heartwarming stories, cute cat videos, and new cat products. They reinforce your love for cats by constantly showing you all the ways cats appeal to you.
Sounds wonderful, right? But here's the catch. Your affection for cats has signaled to the "cat gods" that you're not much of a dog person. Sure, you might like dogs too, but they know you favor cats, and they're determined to get you all in on Team Cats. They amplify the differences between dogs and cats and want you to choose Team Cats because their success revolves around felines. They've pinpointed your preference as a vulnerability and will curate content to solidify and amplify your cat loyalty, ensuring you wholeheartedly embrace what they're promoting.
The cat gods in charge of the target's fate won't just settle for a simple dislike of dogs. Oh, no. Their mission is to ensure you never join Team Dogs. They remember that you once found certain traits of dogs endearing or at least acknowledged them as living beings worthy of compassion. That's unacceptable to them, so they'll eradicate any fondness you have for dogs. They will instill an unwavering fear of dogs within you by bombarding you with horrifying stories that make you detest them. As your hatred deepens, you'll find yourself persuading others to share your disdain for dogs.
You'll spread the terrifying articles they provide, fueling not only standing against dogs but also dog lovers. You will be blinded by disgust knowing that anyone could possibly love such creatures. The cat people see dogs as the monstrosities they are, why can’t the dog people? Clearly, those who love dogs must be terrible too. Consequently, you end up loathing dogs and anyone who dares see good in dogs.
As your hatred intensifies day by day, it begins to extend to others as well. Your rose-tinted glasses are off, and you now perceive the world through a dark, cynical lens. You are compelled to coexist with dogs and their human companions, who seem to take away everything that cats need, and that the cat gods promised you. This leaves you feeling utterly hopeless. As long as dogs exist, you believe you will never experience fairness, peace, or happiness. You even start to celebrate and call for the killing of dogs and dog lovers, viewing it as one less monster roaming the streets, making the world safer for cats and cat people. You've transitioned from a cat lover to someone who supports violence and murder, so long as it involves eliminating what you now find intolerable - dogs.
Cat lovers aren't the only ones in the crosshairs. The dog gods are enacting a similar strategy on dog lovers. They make sure they harbor the same animosity toward cats and cat lovers. This is microtargeting – and in the wrong hands, it’s a form of psychological warfare. The world has gone mad, but you're not crazy - you're being targeted.
With gratitude,
Nikki Crum
Founder & Creator of Crum Canoe Candle Co.
Lighting the way with purpose, resilience, and hope.