Advertising has been attacked by critics who charge that it goes beyond selling products or ideas to exert a powerful influence on society. According to this view, advertising in its many forms is so pervasive and so persuasive that it has the ability to shape social trends and mold personal attitudes. This influence is unwanted, intrusive and often detrimental to society, say critics.
Defenders respond that, in addition to the economic benefits to improved competition, lower prices and more product choices, advertising promotes freedom of speech, as goods and services. Furthermore, advertising is actually influenced by society because it acts as a mirror in reflecting certain societal changes. For example, advertising must continually adjust their language and illustrations to conform to changes in socially acceptable practices.
This ongoing debate over the proper role of advertising in society is entirely separate from the ethical issues of deceptive or fraudulent advertising and it boils down to one basic question: Does advertising help or hurt society?
Defenders respond that, in addition to the economic benefits to improved competition, lower prices and more product choices, advertising promotes freedom of speech, as goods and services. Furthermore, advertising is actually influenced by society because it acts as a mirror in reflecting certain societal changes. For example, advertising must continually adjust their language and illustrations to conform to changes in socially acceptable practices.
This ongoing debate over the proper role of advertising in society is entirely separate from the ethical issues of deceptive or fraudulent advertising and it boils down to one basic question: Does advertising help or hurt society?