Protecting Loved Ones: A Guide to Blocking Gambling Advertisements on Facebook

Navigating the complexities of social media can be a challenge, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable family members from harmful influences. If you’re a caregiver for an aging relative, you may find yourself in a predicament similar to mine: trying to shield them from insidious gambling advertisements on platforms like Facebook. My grandmother, who has a history of gambling addiction, relies heavily on this social media platform to connect with friends and family. Unfortunately, this also means she’s facing an overwhelming amount of targeted ads promoting casino activities, which places her at risk of falling back into old patterns.

Understanding the Challenge

Despite our best efforts to curb her gambling habits, the constant barrage of gambling ads on Facebook, especially during weekends, is proving to be a significant obstacle. Even though I’ve taken steps to block specific local pages, these measures have not been sufficient. Facebook’s complex advertising algorithms seem to bypass traditional filtering methods, including my Pi-hole setup, leaving me feeling frustrated and helpless.

What Can Be Done?

Here are some strategies you can consider to limit the exposure your loved one has to gambling advertisements on Facebook, keeping in mind the specific constraints of the situation:

Adjust Ad Preferences: While you cannot control all advertising content, advising your grandmother to update her ad preferences may help. You can guide her in accessing the “Ad Settings” section on Facebook and suggest she selects options that indicate she is not interested in gambling-related content.
Engage with Content: Encourage her to interact with content that reflects her interests outside of gambling. Liking, commenting, and sharing posts related to hobbies, family, or events can help “train” Facebook’s algorithm to show more relevant content rather than gambling ads.
Utilize App Settings: Explore privacy and settings options within the Facebook app. This may include disabling certain notifications or limiting ad tracking, which could potentially reduce the prevalence of gambling advertisements.
Educate and Communicate: It’s essential to have open conversations with your grandmother about the ads she’s encountering. Understanding what the ads are and why they are detrimental can empower her to recognize and avoid temptation.
Seek Support: If her gambling addiction resurfaces with greater intensity, it may be beneficial to consult with professionals specializing in addiction support. They may offer coping strategies or recommend local support groups for both her and the family.