Social & Economic Impacts of Advertising

In recent times, the word ‘Advertising’ has become a fiercely mooted topic. Advertising has positive as well as negative, social and Economic impacts on our society. Considering advertising as a public welfare is a positive social impact whereas exposing women as a sex tool comes at the negative side. As far as Economic factors are concerned, funding for the media and stimulating an active and competitive economy, are the major examples.

Assorted techniques are enforced for persuading consumers that they want the product which is being advertised. These techniques usually give attention to the benefits that would be brought to the consumers rather than focusing on the actual products.

For instance, an automobile advertisement adverting the mechanical attributes of a vehicle, most likely concentrates the exhilaration, reputation and social progression it may bring to the buyer. This swarming advancement is habitually sexual, or involving the opposite gender to attract the consumers with the glamorous women/men’s fancy car.

There are various blames that advertising is causing a negative social impact on the lives. The chief unfavorable judgment for advertising is that it hales the public to buy things that they are not their real want. It is arrogated that advertising plays with emotions and encourages people to think that buying and depleting are the activities of life.

According to advertisers, they state that people are capable enough to set their mind and no one can force them to buy anything which they dislike or which they think is not a necessity. Advertisers also think that there are positive impacts of advertising on our society and culture.

For example, it can be used to generate awareness among the public that which product is OK or to which they should say NO. In other words, advertising also acts as an educator in the sense that it educates people what is good and what is bad for them and puts a ceiling on the harmful products like smoking and drinking etc.

There are not only social benefits of advertising, but it also has some Economic advantages. Without advertising, the media, including newspapers, television and radio would never be much strong.

Advertising provides revenue for commercial mediums which would otherwise need to be funded by the actual consumer of these mediums. So, we can see a major Economic infrastructure based around advertising, in which the big companies fund and subsidize the commercial media by the way of advertisements.

The major Economic negative aspect of advertising is that it boosts the price of goods and services. The source of this contention is that, when organizations subsidize the mass media with advertising, we, the purchaser, subsidize advertising by compensating a grossly increased price for heavily advertised goods and services.

An easy example of this is that a box of Omo washing powder generally costs around two to three dollars while the market price of the product would be seven to eight dollars. The fact behind this is that the remaining proportion goes in heavy advertising in television and print media.

So, the impact of advertising on our society is in a jumble form, depending on the functions and implementations of numerous campaigns. Our society and the marketing of products depend very badly upon advertising. The companies have become much dependent of advertising that even its negative impacts can never outweigh the many positive social and Economic effects.

Economic Impacts of Advertising

Advertising has significant social and economic impacts on society, influencing both consumers and businesses in various ways. These impacts can be positive or negative and often intersect with one another. Here are some of the key social and economic impacts of advertising:

Economic Impacts:

1. Stimulating Economic Growth: Advertising plays a vital role in stimulating economic activity by promoting the sales of goods and services. It can help businesses reach a wider audience and increase their revenue, which, in turn, contributes to economic growth.
2. Job Creation: The advertising industry itself creates numerous job opportunities, from copywriters and graphic designers to marketers and salespeople. Moreover, successful advertising campaigns can lead to increased demand for products and services, resulting in job creation in various industries.
3. Competition: Advertising encourages competition among businesses. When companies advertise their products or services, they often strive to differentiate themselves from their competitors, leading to innovation, improved quality, and better customer experiences.
4. Revenue Generation for Media: Advertising provides a significant source of revenue for media outlets such as television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and websites. This revenue helps support journalism and the creation of content.
5. Market Expansion: Advertising can expand markets by introducing new products or services to consumers. It can also facilitate the entry of new businesses into the market, increasing choice and variety for consumers.

Social Impacts:

1. Information and Awareness: Advertising informs consumers about products, services, and important issues. It can raise awareness about health, safety, and social causes, contributing to informed decision-making.
2. Cultural and Social Norms: Advertising can shape cultural and social norms by portraying certain lifestyles, values, and behaviors as desirable. It can influence consumer attitudes and aspirations.
3. Consumerism: Advertising can promote consumerism and materialism, encouraging people to buy more and accumulate possessions. This can have both positive and negative effects on individual and societal well-being.
4. Stereotyping and Diversity: Some advertisements have been criticized for reinforcing stereotypes based on gender, race, or other characteristics. Conversely, advertising can also play a role in promoting diversity and inclusivity.
5. Psychological Impact: Advertising can have psychological effects on individuals, including creating desires, fostering a sense of inadequacy, or influencing buying behavior. The impact can vary depending on the message and the target audience.
6. Ethical Concerns: Ethical issues can arise in advertising, such as deceptive or misleading advertising practices. These issues can erode trust between consumers and businesses.
7. Privacy Concerns: The collection and use of consumer data for targeted advertising raise privacy concerns. Some individuals may feel their personal information is being exploited without their consent.
8. Environmental Impact: Advertising often promotes the consumption of products, which can have environmental consequences, especially in industries with high carbon footprints.

In summary, advertising has multifaceted social and economic impacts on society. While it plays a crucial role in economic growth, job creation, and information dissemination, it also has the potential to shape cultural norms, influence consumer behavior, and raise ethical and privacy concerns. Balancing these impacts requires careful consideration of advertising practices, regulations, and societal values.

Prepare and write by:
Author: Mohammed A Bazzoun
If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask in comments.