Blogpost 4: Truths and Lies About What We Buy

Expectation vs. Reality. Not everything we see on television is true. Those ads about teeth whitening? Those big-ass burgers? Those delicious food we see? Nope, not all of them are really what it looks like in reality. We get so gullible that we want to try them out. We get disappointed once we see, try, touch and feel them because we expected so much more than that. Amidst the alluring slogans and images, it's hard to tell whether the product is worth the try or not.

In Sienna Kossman's article, "The Truth About False and Deceptive Advertising," we will find out how false advertising attracts us to buy their products. There are tricks on how they make their products attracting and appealing to buyers. Few of the tricks are by using hairsprays to make fruits and veggies look fresh, putting antacids in sodas to create fizzle, replacing the actual ice cream with mashed potato and many more. They use this thing called "photoshop" that makes everything look better. Just like in hotels and resorts, they may show you an infinity pool. But in reality, it's just as big as an oversized jacuzzi. If you think these deceptive advertisements are harmless, well, think again. They actually have serious consequences. 

"There are ads that are getting the most attention and are most successful are the ones that call consumers to quick action," says Brent Brien, the American Consumer Protection Group's senior vice president of enforcement. 

I agree. We all know the saying that looks can be deceiving, right? It applies to those false advertisements. We get so allured and gullible that we keep on buying those kinds of products just because they look awesome. The only reason why we get so gullible is because of our subconscious mind. Our senses are dialed down that it is affected by the messages because we let everything come on board. 

Similarly, I read an article titled, "Lies, Lies and Advertising" by Paul Suggett. He said that deceptive/false advertising exaggerates the benefit.  The reason why advertisers lie is simply because if they don't, it will be the death of their business. But the truth will set you free. They outright lie and aim to mislead in the tricky different ways possible. But do advertisers break any law? Nope, they're just messing with language. But if they keep lying about their products, it could lead to a very bad karma. Anything false will be discovered sooner or later. And it will lead to dismayed customers. 

"Now, there is no smoke without fire, and there are clearly many rotten apples that have ruined both professions, in the eyes of the general public anyway. Lawyers are slimy liars who will do anything to win a case. Advertisers are slick liars who will say anything to get a sale." says Paul. 

Yes, advertising does bend the truth. It gets so exaggerated that no one believes it anymore. The truth will set you free..