The Negative Effects of Advertising
Alexandra Wesson
Professor Myslinsky
English 111 - 027 10 April 2011
Unethical Advertising Unfortunately, advertising is sending our country into a quick downward spiral, doing an immense amount of harm and little good. Companies pay millions of dollars each year, in hopes to successfully pull the wool over our eyes and get their product sold. The dishonesty is leaving the citizens of this country with nothing to gain. The biggest problem with advertising is that the majority of it is alarmingly misleading. Advertisements convey an unrealistic view of a particular product. Companies go to extraordinary lengths to persuade consumers to indulge in unnecessary luxuries. Once again, the consumer falls victim to their tricks and gimmicks. The American people have grown incredibly naïve over a short amount of time. The majority of society favors the superficial and materialistic. All they see is an image. In the article “Sex Appeal in Advertising has Negative Effects,” Shawna Robertson states that “Not only have people become deceived by the images they are seeing, but their moral values are suffering as well” (n.pag.). Children are affected the most. At a young age one allows his or her mind to be molded and constructed. A child will grow up to be everything they are surrounded by, being very susceptible to outside influences. That being said, for future generations growing up in a media infested country, there is little hope. Attempting to thrive in a consumerist country, with a consumerist attitude, will hinder the United States for years to come. Once an idea is planted in the minds of weak-willed people, there is rarely hope for reform. Advertising is unethical, above all else. It creates a false, unrealistic image and urges people to buy in, leaving most unsatisfied after the initial “new” feeling has worn off. America revolves around material possessions. Most are in debt due to this. Everyone wants the newest, most expensive, and impressive
Professor Myslinsky
English 111 - 027 10 April 2011
Unethical Advertising Unfortunately, advertising is sending our country into a quick downward spiral, doing an immense amount of harm and little good. Companies pay millions of dollars each year, in hopes to successfully pull the wool over our eyes and get their product sold. The dishonesty is leaving the citizens of this country with nothing to gain. The biggest problem with advertising is that the majority of it is alarmingly misleading. Advertisements convey an unrealistic view of a particular product. Companies go to extraordinary lengths to persuade consumers to indulge in unnecessary luxuries. Once again, the consumer falls victim to their tricks and gimmicks. The American people have grown incredibly naïve over a short amount of time. The majority of society favors the superficial and materialistic. All they see is an image. In the article “Sex Appeal in Advertising has Negative Effects,” Shawna Robertson states that “Not only have people become deceived by the images they are seeing, but their moral values are suffering as well” (n.pag.). Children are affected the most. At a young age one allows his or her mind to be molded and constructed. A child will grow up to be everything they are surrounded by, being very susceptible to outside influences. That being said, for future generations growing up in a media infested country, there is little hope. Attempting to thrive in a consumerist country, with a consumerist attitude, will hinder the United States for years to come. Once an idea is planted in the minds of weak-willed people, there is rarely hope for reform. Advertising is unethical, above all else. It creates a false, unrealistic image and urges people to buy in, leaving most unsatisfied after the initial “new” feeling has worn off. America revolves around material possessions. Most are in debt due to this. Everyone wants the newest, most expensive, and impressive
Cited: Johnson, Cameron. “The Mighty Image.” The Composition of Everyday Life: A Guide to Writing. Ed. John Mauk and John Metz. 3rd ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2010. 177-180. Print. Smith, Molly. Personal Interview. 13 April 2011. Oak, Manalie. “Negative Influences of Media.” Intelligent Life on the Web. 2010. Web. 12 April. 2011. . Dittmar, Dr. Helga. “The Impact of Media Images on Body Image and Behaviours: A Summary of the Scientific Evidence.” Nov. 2007. Web. 12 April 2011. Robertson, Shawna. “Sex Appeal in Advertising has Negative Effects.” Web. 12 April. 2011