The Myth of Listening Devices

There is a common belief that smartphones and other devices are listening to our conversations, which can feel unsettling when relevant ads appear shortly after discussing a topic. However, research conducted by experts has found no evidence that devices are actively recording audio or video without consent. Instead, companies utilize the vast amounts of personal information that individuals share online to tailor ads based on browsing behavior, social media interactions, and even location history. This means that perceived coincidences in advertising are often linked to data usage, rather than eavesdropping.