In the Spielberg movie, Minority Report, Tom Cruise was directly advertised to at the GAP, by a retina scan of eyes he had stolen, which inquired him about how he had enjoyed his last purchase of a pair of khaki pants. As a plot device, it was awesome. As an advertiser, it was exciting. And while we’re not there yet, we’re close.
Sophisticated technology can now make interactive display billboards shift to keep your attention. Using facial-recognition software, digital posters can see if someone is paying attention or losing attention, and shift their display to try and keep them watching. But more than that, we have to understand that this same facial recognition software that’s gauging interest can also remember faces.
But that would likely require an opt-in system for personalized recommendations based on previous purchases. And who’s going to opt into a system that calls you out publicly for your past behavior?