Advertising: The Good and the Bad

Having grown up in a suburban area with a relatively high amount of advertising everywhere I look, I have seen a wide range of advertising. For the majority, the world of advertising and its positive influence excites me because it has the high potential of producing results one couldn't by themselves. When I see a commercial calling to viewers to adopt a puppy or a flyer at school promoting that we should donate to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, it gives a sense of hope that this little bit of advertising can reach many to make a remarkable difference. The way advertisers creatively come up with catchy slogans, unique imagery, and overall capture the attention of the public is quite interesting and striking. How a group of people create an eye-catching piece to promote their message to millions is what makes me curious to find out more about the world of advertising. On the other hand, advertising does have an unfortunate effect on the public which could lead to negative results. When I see ads of gorgeously unreal celebrities or commercials urging me to try a supplement to become skinnier, these types of advertisements have the same effect, if not more, than the positive types of advertisements. When natural beauty and healthy ways of living are not conveyed in a realistic manner, these advertisements can have a nasty effect on individuals who may soon doubt themselves. Advertising is exciting in the way that it can inspire change but depending on its message it can be viewed as destructive or helpful.