Diagnosis by Google - Parkinson's Hallucination
I've had a curious Google experience. I keep notes, calendars, and files on Google systems. I use Google docs, a Google browser, and some Google cloud services.
My neurologist tells me I have Parkinson's. So I've done some searching, made some notes, made some appointments. Then I went to Google news. Saw a compelling advertisement, starting with a man (of my age) in a dimly lit room, talking about the things I'm interested in. Even more: talking about the things I'm afraid of.
The banner ad shifts, and authoritatively tells us that hallucinations and delusions can be part of Parkinson's. Finally: clarity!
The ad shifts again. The text goes away, we see bright light through the shaded window, we see a spouse/caregiver looking concerned and moving in. Hey look, it's not just him! There are more caring people involved! I bet he's only thinking of himself. Also, note that about half the panel is dark space. There's mystery and monsters here. Even freakier, the archway in the photo is the same style as what's in my own house.
Finally, frame4. Call your Parkinson's specialist. Just click here. Don't you care? Do you want to be a zombie? It's just a call.
When you click on the ad, completely hooked on the opportunity for more info about these
things that scare you, and the notions of relationships and multiple victims, a new website opens
up offering a video. Take a look at it. The video starts with our Serious Senior, shuffle-walking to the mirror, not sure of what he's seeing - we really don't know what he's seeing - and perhaps a bit frightened.
He (me) stares into the mirror/window, wondering what he's seeing. He doesn't notice the Spouse/Caregiver approaching through the light; he continues staring in non-comprehension with a look that reminds me of Keir Dullea in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Finally she touches him and maybe there's recognition and comfort; they hold hands. She walks him into the light. Their clothing matches just a bit, compatible shades of purple. Such a pair!
Seeing this ad, and seeing how well they've played on my own info-needs and emo-needs, really distressed me. They want me to buy their product. They're leveraging my needs to induce me to become a sales lead, to reach out and give their marketing people my contact info while I can still remember it.
I hate this so much.