Advertising: Ethical And Social Issues In Advertising

Advertising may be considered, among the most quietly controversial subjects in our society, and is yet, ever so essential. There are both positive and negative aspects, and although that could be true for anything, advertising is unique in the sense that it requires a constant give and take from consumers. Furthermore, I have investigated certain technological benefits associated with advertising that improve effectiveness, and how advertising benefits consumers. On the contrary, I have evaluated some of the associated ethical issues, the promotion of unnecessary consumerism, psychological effects on learning, how younger generations are becoming less receptive, and the adverse affects on society as a whole. Regardless of the conflicting

There have been several ethical and social issues that have surfaced throughout the history of advertising. Ads pertaining to medical care and prescription drugs were under particular scrutiny. “ Critics maintain that some ads downplay the hazards of drugs and may cause patients to demand unnecessary or inappropriate treatments” (“Advertising” 2). Nonetheless, supporters like pharmaceutical companies are under the impression that advertising their products is necessary because it informs the consumer. Other social issues that come along with advertising is the underlying messages that are received by the consumer. I’m sure are familiar with the term “sex sells”, and its very common promotional tool, especially among our generation and for a plethora of products. The issue underlying issue is the claim that, “the unnecessary use of sexual imagery, such as showing women half naked, reinforces the idea that women are merely sex objects… and that numerous ads promote unrealistic ideas” (“Advertising”

He uses a quote from Gary Rudman, president of GTR Consulting, stating that "From what teens have told us, online advertising is interruptive, distracting and intrusive. In a nutshell, online advertising is not working for this generation” (Dolliver 2). So what does this mean for the future of advertisements in an unaccepting generation? It’s clear by their commonly ruthless demeanor that this won’t be the end, but how far are they willing to go? Shah insinuates in his article “Advertising Promotes Consumerism”, that advertisers target the their audience not just as consumers, but a products too. There is valuable demographic information about consumers in relation to products that advertisers strive for, and it is that information that narrows down the specific audience they should market