However, creators buying ads on each other's websites to attract visitors who will then spend more time seeing ads ... seems kind of circular. It might be that part of the ad ecosystem in that space is fueled by hopeful artists who make a loss trying to promote their work.
As far as physical goods are concerned, I don't really buy anything except to replace something else, and then I just go to whichever place is most convenient and buy what they have, so there isn't much room for ads to influence me.
People who do get bothered by ads and their continuous manipulation use an ad blocker of course.
3 white stripes? Adidas Swoosh? Nike Golden Arches? McDonalds
Everyone clicks, buys and is influenced by ads. Dont be arrogant and mindlessly believe "it doesnt impact me"