Critique On Advertising In Our Society :: essays research papers

Critique On advert In Our SocietyA critique on the wallop of frequentise in our society. Consider visuals andverbal or written language. (1000 words)The impact of advertising on our society is a fiercely debated topic, and hasbeen ever since the conception of advertising in its most basic form. There arenegative and collateral social and economic impacts upon society from advertisingin its various forms. For instance, advertising promoting public welfare has apositive social impact upon society, whereas advertising portraying women as sexobjects has negative social impacts. There are also positive economic impactson society such as providing funding for the media and stimulating an active,competitive economy.There are a number of proven ways to twist the consumer that he or she needsthe product being advertised. These methods of persuasion, instead ofconcentrating on the actual product, usually concentrate on the benefits thatwill be brought to the consumer. These benefits may embarrass the hope of moremoney and better jobs, popularity and somebodyal prestige, praise from others,more comfort, social advancement, improved appearance, or better health. Forexample, an automobile advertisement, as well as mentioning the mechanicalattributes of the car, would most likely focus on the excitement, prestige andsocial advancement it may bring the buyer. This social advancement is very oftentimes sexual, or involving attraction of the other sex so the car advertisementmay also mention the glamorous women/men that the consumer will attract withhis/her fancy car.Advertising has been blamed for a great variety of negative social impacts. Oneof the major(ip) criticisms received by advertising is that it forces people to buythings they dont really need, often by projecting negative emotions such asfear, anxiety or guilt upon the consumer. It is claimed that advertising playswith our basic human emotions and takes advantage of them, using them as scarcelyanother techn ique to sell goods or services. Advertising also encourages peopleto buy products by making them think that purchasing and consuming are the majoractivities of their lives. It is said to also evoke fears of inferiority uponthe consumer by depicting the normal person as young, attractive, wealthy andsuccessful. This may encourage a person to act on his or her desire for successand, for instance, go out and purchase that particular brand of make-up ordeodorant hoping to emulate the seeming success of the person depicted in theadvertisement.In opposition, advertisers state that the public is intelligent enough to, andquite capable of, making up its own mind and will in spades not buy anythingthey dont want or need.