Public Relations.. Advertising?

In a world full of competition, advertisement is essential for growth. It has become such a widespread commodity that it is almost impossible to avoid. This mass marketing technique has been used for centuries and has made a significant impact on today’s society. Although ads can be found to be adverse and questionable at times, the overall application of it in society is immense and continually expanding. The marketing techniques ad used today have proven to give off a large impact throughout history; consequently, this results in both positive and negative effects.
         

 Initially, looking back on history, the use of ads has proven to cause a huge impact on events that shaped America into the country that it is today. For example, during wars America would use propaganda to increase the involvement from its citizens and boost morale among them. The use of these posters and other forms of ads were so successful and influential that America was equipped with all that it needed to be a dynamic force in war. In addition, in the 1950’s when television had made its way in most American households, the increased exposure of advertisements to the average Americans caused a large increase in economic growth. Americans suddenly were obsessed with the idea of “Keeping up with the Joneses”, a mindset that still remains in our society today.

Furthermore, the purpose of an advertisement is to act as a medium of information in which one can persuade others to buy their product. This allows for many positive effects on society such as those pertaining to price level and a decrease in unemployment. Advertisements generate an increase in competition between businesses therefore forcing them to decrease prices and overall put the consumer’s first. Advertisements also put smaller businesses in a position to compete against much larger corporations. This leads to economic growth and helps level the playing field between corporations and smaller businesses. In addition, there has been an increase of job openings for models, producers, and actors as a result of advertisements. With a growing number of youth interested in pursuing these career paths, advertisements truly open job opportunities for those in need.               

  Moreover, advertisement also causes negative effects on society. This occurs as a result of marketing practices that convince people they’re in need of items that they don’t need. The use of psychology is used often through subliminal messages which stimulate the consumer’s subconscious. This can all become dangerous when these advertisements are exposed to vulnerable groups such as children and teens. For instance, the use of sexual overtones and of unhealthy body types that symbolize the definition of beauty has proven to only lower the self-esteems of teens nationwide. More and more of America’s youth are becoming exposed to advertisements that aren't age-appropriate or healthy for them to see. These forms of advertisements are a prime example of the negative face of ads.
               

    All in all, advertisements play a huge role in American society today. Its widespread use has led to

the expansion of many businesses and projects throughout history. Without a doubt, the impact that it has on our economy is countless. Whether you’re flipping through channels on TV or sitting down and reading the newspaper for leisure, one simply cannot avoid being exposed to advertisements in everyday American society.