In other words, an advertising dollar doesn't disappear: it's paid to someone.
Window breaking gangs could make a similar same claim about their activity boosting GDP might they not?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_broken_window
I do remember it being about how a window maker paying people to break windows not being a productive contribution to GDP.
Just thought it was curious seeing it again.
Yes a common misconception about economics so much so it has a Wikipedia page to explain it.
... I'd rather not pay for the "service" they're providing.
In other words, an advertising dollar doesn't disappear: it's paid to someone.