Whether we’re walking down the street, scrolling through social media, or even browsing in our own homes, we are constantly confronted with brand’s advertising or logos. Advertising such as billboards or sponsored posts on Instagram has surrounded us in ways both obvious and subtle. Big companies have managed to infiltrate every part of our daily lives where we can’t even walk out of our house without being bombarded by logos on everything from buses to shop windows – you can’t look anywhere without being told what to buy, wear or consume.
Online is even worse as algorithms track our every click, search and like which creates personalised ads that follow our online activity from one site to the other, making it feel like there’s no escape from advertisement.However, there are, of course some arguments in favour of advertising – it can create a place for innovation and creativity and can also provide jobs to many artists and designers who may find it difficult to get successful without. Advertising can also fuel small businesses, support content creators and make us aware of products or services we might otherwise never have encountered. Additionally, advertising plays a role for businesses to grow and thrive by creating demand for their products and also provides jobs for the companies which overall helps the economy positively
Moreover, there is a darker side to advertising – the constant bombardment of ads of idealised versions of life such as perfect bodies, flawless homes and ideal lifestyles pressurise people to “keep up” which may be overwhelming and for many it can result in feelings of anxiety or depression as they don’t feel good enough for not owning a particular product.
Advertising is also manipulative with its tactic as the more targeted ads become the more invasive they feel. Ads don’t just sell products they sell lifestyles,self-worth and identity – “ if you buy this product you’ll be thinner,happier, more successful”, this leads to a culture of consumerism.
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