You are the product
by @gordon
Skirmish: The evil spying done by G... (@unownedart)
Liner Notes
#truisms Another take on this fine prompt, slightly different angle
Lyrics
If it’s free to use, you are the product Advertisers know this, it informs their conduct If it seems too good to be true That’s because it is, it’s nothing new
Data has its value It helps them to shape your life Has no one ever explained it to you? It’s as subtle as a switchblade knife
If they ask for your details, think to yourself Why do they need this, what’s in it for them? And why is my microphone activated? And why is there a light on my camera?
And why do I see adverts for products I’ve talked about and named? Conspiracy minded? it would drive you insane Sign on the dotted line, our bots need data to mine
(c) words and music G Todd 2026
Comments
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Words to live by. "If it's free, you are the product" and "If it seems too good to be true it is." I pity anyone spilling their entire lives to Chat GPT right now. 😬 Great alt rock sound
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I've always liked that quote. Glad it inspired you to write a nice song. Keep 'em coming! ❤️
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I'm glad this resonated enough with you that you did a second take. Everywhere you see those social media icons... they're not the simple html link any highschooler could give you, they're keylogger scripts tracking how much time you're spending looking at whatever you're interested in on some non-facebook etc site, that was duped into complicity by adding the tracking script and icon to their site... to "enhance" the user's experience. Not only "Why is my microphone on?", but why is everyone helping them?
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"If it's free to use, you are the product" Is one of the greatest opening lines of all time
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Excellent work! You get to the heart of the situation!
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This is very true. Texas is suing Sony, Samsung and a few other smart TV companies for selling people's viewing habits without their consent. Actually in the small print people have given their consent, but it's too hard to opt out of and/or too confusing. And all the tech is doing this. Big brother is watching. And profiting from us! Makes me want to go back to land lines, analog tv, and snail mailing letters. And yet I love my tech making everything from navigating maps, to Googling the answer in a snap.
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This has such a "Kinks" vibe, (I'm a Kinks fan) love your vocals and instrumentation. This is so relatable. It's so creepy that you see adverts for products talked about and named - not even searched for. Great song for our times and for the prompt. Well done!
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Thank you! Somebody said it! I think about that quote every day: if a product is "free", you are the product.
Because why am I seeing ads for things I already own (except that the camera picked it up without my knowledge and is now sending me targeted ads from the brands it recognized)?
Which reminds me, I need to get a flip phone.