This document discusses how consumers are increasingly taking control of their purchasing decisions and interactions with companies. It notes that 58% of purchases now originate from search and display ad click-through rates have dropped 50% year-over-year. Consumers prefer to control the methods of contact and give their own permission for data collection and usage. The document suggests that companies should give up some control to increase user engagement through more social and user-driven discovery, promotions, and conversations about products and services.