What was the first ever internet ad? When was the last time someone actually clicked on one? What happened to all the proper ads with catchy jingles?

Today Dallas investigates one of the most infuriating aspects of modern life, online advertising. We discover how they started and the mind-boggling ways they work.

Is it possible that online advertising is a bubble that will one day burst? A world without online ads might sound appealing until you consider all the free services they underwrite, from emails, to search engines, to this very podcast (please don’t skip the ads guys!).

Our guest today is Tim Hwang author of the book Subprime Attention Crisis.

Produced by Freddy Chick, edited by Aidan Lonergan. The Executive Producer is Charlotte Long.

If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts, and audiobooks at History Hit - enter promo code PATENTED for a free trial, plus 50% off your first three months' subscription. To download, go to Android or Apple store.