ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Have you ever had an online ad pop up in the moment or hours after you mentioned a particular product or brand?

And not necessarily when you were specifically searching online for it or asking Alexa about it.

And if you have, did you stop and wonder if our cell phones, virtual assistants and smart devices spying on us?

On the latest episode of Spectrum Bay News 9's To The Point Already podcast, Rick Elmhorst and Roy DeJesus talk with Data Analyst Shawn Monroe who says yes, emphatically, that our devices are always listening to us.

"Yes, without a doubt," Monroe said. "Your devices are listening. You're buying into some of the devices specifically for your convenience.

"Whether it's to control your home, make it smarter or to get discounts. And the only way these devices can do it is if they are listening."

Monroe explained it usually starts with the terms of services offered on websites, social media platforms, apps and yes, devices.

The language and wording, which we rarely read, often include inquiries to listen in. Once we agree to the terms - and ignore ways to limit or turn listening off - the digital ears have free reign.

In fact, just to test the theory, a computer game retailer once installed a clause in the terms of service that read ""By placing an order via this Web site…you agree to grant Us a non transferable option to claim, for now and for ever more, your immortal soul."

Almost 9,000 shoppers that scrolled through the terms and agreed to give up their souls.

Monroe added that in addition to the terms, phone location near someone previously receiving ads for a certain service or product comes into play, along with microphone authorization and keywords derived through artificial intelligence.

He added there are ways to protect your privacy, including actually reading terms of service, limit social media posting and app downloads.

Still, he said, "You've willingly given them your information right up front. Then, they basically are able to connect all this information together. That's how they have become giant enterprises."

ABOUT THE SHOW

Spectrum Bay News 9 Anchor Rick Elmhorst sits down with the people that represent you, the people fighting for change and the people with fascinating stories to ask the hard questions.

To The Point Already will cover people, politics and issues from a Tampa Bay perspective every Wednesday.

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