Or maybe you don’t install a data mining spy device in the office?
Is it any different than speaking in front of your smartphone?
I don’t own an echo or Google whatever but I’ve definitely mentioned things and then got ads for that thing within the hour/day. Like cat litter when I don’t even own a cat, just mentioned it once for cleaning up spills.
I don’t have a smoking gun for Google advertising based on conversation, but I mentioned in an email (Gmail) that someone I know was going to the Calgary Stampede, and Google Ads flogged Stetson cowboy hats and the Stampede for weeks after that. It was so conspicuous because normally it’s just, “hot singles in your area”, “hot Christian singles in your area?” maybe, “hot Christian moms in your area?” Nowadays it’s like, “grannies near you want to fuck.” FML.
My pastor mentioned a specific verse in his sermon recently. I went to type it in my notes. My phone’s keyboard (Gboard) suggested that specific verse immediately. Not just the book. The chapter and verse numbers, too.
More likely there’s a bunch of data points it can use. Coming within BT range of someone who does have a cat for example. Otherwise all the major smart phone companies would need to be in collision to keep the secret because the battery drain would be so blatant of it was recording, processing, transfering etc.
So keep cell phone in lockers, no smart TVs, and no Alexa or similar devices.