New research shows that online ads have limited impact on consumer valuations for Facebook

Policymakers are increasingly debating the relative social costs and benefits of digital advertising. While ads typically benefit platforms and advertisers, do they disadvantage consumers? In a new study, researchers have analyzed advertising on Facebook, comparing the effects on consumers of seeing ads versus not seeing ads. The study found no significant differences in users' valuations between the two groups, suggesting that either the harmful effects of ads are relatively small or that certain benefits offset the harms.