For years my children have insisted that our computers, cell phones, and Alexa device listen to our conversation. I have always dismissed and laughed off their “conspiracy theories.” This week something happened that made me question whether they were right.

Yesterday, my stepson and I were discussing a certain designer necklace that he was considering buying for his girlfriend. We discussed two specific varieties of the necklace, the long version and short version. I never looked up the necklace on any device, we just talked about the two different versions and which we thought his girlfriend would like better. Later that night, on my Instagram feed, a sponsored ad popped up for that designer featuring the necklace we discussed, both the long and short version.

Coincidence? I’m not sure so anymore.