The Persuaders

We are headed towards having tangible advertising that connects people on more of an emotional level, not just creating brand loyalty. People who are at the top of the advertising business are trying to push the envelope because techniques are going to work as long as they’re the only one using it, but then it’s going to be saturated and they need to always be ahead of the game. People’s interests are the top priority, and as interests change, advertisers have to keep up with that and try not to lag behind when it comes to what’s “hot.” I think that techniques of persuasion are never going to go too far, especially since if it a outstanding idea that will be very profitable, there will always be people who will be for it. I feel as though advertisers will try anything to and advertising techniques will become more and more advanced as the technology in our world gets better and better.
People who have certain products put themselves in a kind of category of people, like those who are Macintosh users, those who like certain music, those who travel on a certain airline, or those who drink a certain drink. Many people think it is “cool” to do a certain thing and young Americans are extremely impressionable. We get all the messages and advertising since we are small children, not even understanding what we’re being advised about. We’re brought up being sold on different products and services, most of us not even knowing what goes into the research and production of those products and services. Once someone is set on a certain product, there is a sense of belonging and you feel like you found something that’s fit just for you, and advertisers are trying to get to these primal impulses to get us to be appealed to products and show us that that product will do just that. The advertising in movies works really well, especially when top actors are using certain brands and driving certain cars. The populace of the United States does look up to famous people, and usually if they’re using it, it must be good. Every time I see something being used in a movie that isn’t a fake generic name, but a real company that I see at the stores I go to, I wonder how much money those companies pay to have their product appearing in that movie. Movies that are aiming towards a certain audience definitely use this strategy as well, causing for a lot of sales.
Americans look for any excuse to buy products when they really don’t need them. Like the hummer example, why would anyone want to have a hummer if they live in New York City? People do not go off-roading in NYC, but a hummer is the vehicle that is the biggest and best of all SUVs, therefore people will waste their money on it. Americans are most definitely susceptible to the world of advertising and marketing, and we always want what is the biggest, fastest, most powerful, and most luxurious. For example, whenever a new iPod comes out, people want to update even though they already have an iPod that holds that same amount of music. When a new model of a car comes out, everyone wishes they had that newer model. The people who can afford to buy new versions of products usually upgrade, therefore making the need for newer products a constant obsession.
People need to be more aware of what people are advertising for, and people should do more research and not act on impulse just because someone says it is the best. People need to justify what they are buying on a logical level, not just from feeling good about a commercial or billboard. Personally, sometimes I will see an advertisement for some kind of food and they make it so appealing that I actually go out and buy that food for a meal. On a few occasions, I unfortunately regretted my decision to get McDonalds, but the advertisements work sometimes.