Why are Ramadan ads filling up my Facebook?

[Granadier]

This week I've had an increasing number of Islamic charity appeals in my Facebook, and today every single ad is one of these.

My feed is two posts from my friends or my groups, then every third item is a Ramadan ad. Literally, I'm not exaggerating.

The odd thing is I'm not a Muslim, nor are any of my FB friends, and I don't live in a predominantly Muslim area.

The ads don't bother me (I guess some of these are worthy causes, others look less so), but I'm intrigued by what's broken in Facebook's algorithm. Same as if I was suddenly getting localised ads for Newcastle every third post, when I live in London.

A few examples below.

[RoadToad84]

I can't provide an answer, but I've noticed a lot of Ramadan themed ads on Absolute Radio lately. Obviously it is Ramadan, so it's topical, but not usually a platform that would cater to that demographic so possibly it's a diversity/awareness raising exercise?

[TotalControl]

Muslim here. We're in the last 10 days of Ramadan and lots of charity is promoted in the latter half of this month for just causes. There's been a massive shift lately from what I can see instead of having people passing cash over to make sure it gets to said charities to help those unfortunates.

Having said that, it's a nice reminder for me to make my donations also. Thank you.

[markiii]

more rubbish ads for me to ignore

[Grumps.]

None on mine, only miracle cleaning products.

[markiii]

i wish said products worked on android

[captain_cynic]

Look at it this way... Their ad targeting algorithm is utterly useless.

Also, ublock origin + privacy badger + FB purity. Would go to FB without them.

[robscot]

People still use Facebook?

[otolith]

You can check in FB why you were targeted for an advert, and usually it's something as bland as "adult aged 30-50 living in the UK".

I get occasional blizzards of ads - often for games or gambling apps. Clicking "hide" and saying "irrelevant" or "sensitive topic" has zero effect, which is worrying - I just find gambling ads distasteful, but others have a genuine gambling problem.

[markiii]

indeed Facebooks ad preference management seem to do absolutely sod all

[s1962a]

I get inno shred/nitro wood ads on my social media feeds. it's a bit unnecessary for a powerfully built PH director.

[Frenchda]

robscot said:

People still use Facebook?

Yep - some great groups on there that align with my interests, just like Pistonheads.