I think you’ve got it.
If the human thinks the person is of interest, then that person is specifically targeted.
Even something as benign as saying “I’d like to attend a Trump rally” could get the special treatment.
Most of us on FR are targets anyway, so that statement above is really a nothing.
The real danger is rather subtle.
The vast majority of people are ignored.
However, if you become a public figure and gain a following then they will take a look at the data they have collected over the previous days, weeks, months, years and see what they can do with it.
What is happening is a “chilling effect” where folks with street smarts know it is unwise to stand out from the crowd.