The Truth Behind Advertising Strategies | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Truth Behind Advertising Strategies

Have you noticed the hidden messages?

311
The Truth Behind Advertising Strategies
The Liberty Beacon

We are all exposed to many kinds of advertisements in different categories. Companies may promote their products either on television, the internet or in newspapers. Advertisers use a wide variety of techniques during the process; however, viewers are sometimes offended by some methods. Advertisements, in many cases, promote unnecessary materialism using sexual metaphors sent with exaggerated messages.

Obviously, everything that is being advertised is not always needed. The overall goal of a company’s promotion is to convince viewers to purchase their products, regardless of what is being sold. Renato K. Sesana stated “Nowadays market executives will use all available methods to convince viewers of the need to buy their company’s products” . Companies are aware that their merchandise may not be a necessity. It is interesting to note that what we really need does not need advertisement (Sesana, Renato K). In contrast, most products are more focused on desires. For example, cigarettes are purchased by those who desire to smoke, which makes the ads successful. Eric Shaw once mentioned “The success of cigarettes is a potent example of advertising's enormous power and economic value” Unfortunately, confusing difference between addictions and needs may also affect how consumers spend money. Advertisement has the ability to change a non-smoker's mind by persuasion. The outcome is based upon how persuasive an ad can be to draw the customer’s service, whether the products are needed or not.

In order to attract certain groups of people, advertising firms use techniques such as sexual metaphors. For instance, beer ads contain many counts of sex appeal to convince the male audience to buy that specific brand of alcohol. A large number of beer consumers are male and sexual content often grabs men's attention. Not only are children affected but adults may also become offended. Some companies may believe that sex-related ideas are the only ways to sell certain products. This concepts can be harmful. Ads can get points across without using sex. Sex-related slogans or symbols can appear troublesome to viewers of the advertisements.

Furthermore, many messages companies aim to send are excessively exaggerated. Under those circumstances, gullible minds may be tricked into comprehending the wrong idea. Exaggeration, to some, could very well be considered lies or false statements. For example, “Red Bull gives you wings” is a hyperbole, but can be grouped with lies due to the fact that Red Bull cannot give a human the ability to fly. Hyperboles are tolerated more than lies, which may be the reason advertisers allow these methods. Exaggeration often takes place by not telling the whole truth. . Realistically, a person would not receive this amount of money for something so simple. In the final analysis, the advertisement is not completely true due to exaggerated messages.

Promotion of materialism, sexual statements and hyperboles can be quite harmful. Such messages affect not only today’s younger generation, but also the overall society. There’s a possibility that promotion will someday grow out of control unless advertising reaches a turning point. Other methods can be discovered and applied to the advertisement industry. Many consequences can be avoided by simply changing work ethics and study habits by adapting to new ideas. The overall goal is to make advertisement available to all ages. If advertisers fail to do so, younger viewers should not access those specific ads. To see a positive difference with promotions, the first step is committing to a dedicated change. In conclusion, the negatives of advertising must be laid to rest.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193720
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16964
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459401
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27489
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments