Our policymakers, economists and the media bestowed that role on it.

But there is a disconnect here. Being wealthier simply does not translate into being happier. Many studies shows the United States to be no happier than it was 50 years ago; we are no happier than when we were poorer.

Compared to a year ago, advertisers, media buyers and publishers are far more knowledgeable now about what behavioral targeting is, what it can do for an online campaign, and how it can deliver better financial returns to both sides of the ad publishing transaction. As we move into year two, we anticipate that advertisers and publishers will reap even greater rewards as audience segments are further refined, and they become more proficient at being able to focus their behaviorally targeted ads on content areas where high responses can be achieved.

In their eyes, Eve saw the wolf gleam. The story was the prey, ratings the trophy.

This is the truth about mainstream media and advertising: People wouldn't have to pay to show you such messages if they were right.

The social media is the newspaper, radio & television stations of the twenty-first century.