Demerits of Advertising

Advertising is a form of communication used to encourage or persuade an audience (viewers, readers or listeners) to continue or take some new action. Most commonly, the desired result is to drive consumer behavior with respect to a commercial offering, although political and ideological advertising is also common. The purpose of advertising may also be to reassure employees or shareholders that a company is viable or successful. Advertising messages are usually paid for by sponsors and viewed via various traditional media; including mass media such as newspaper, magazines, television commercial, radio advertisement, outdoor advertising or direct mail; or new media such as websites and text messagesModern advertising developed with the rise of mass production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type Demerits1
Demerits of Advertising (Objections)
Various objections against it may be listed as follows:
1. Economic Objections
a) Advertising is not productive. It is true that it does not produce any tangible goods. It is said to involve wasteful expenditure.
b) It forces people to desire and buy goods, which, in fact, are not within their means.
c) It increases the cost of goods. Advertising charges are included in the price, which the consumer has to pay.
d) Advertising results in monopoly. The consumer becomes a slave to a particular brand.
2. Social Objections
a) Most of the advertisements contain tall claims and the consumers do not enjoy the benefits advertisement in full. They are shortlived only. b) The press is influenced by the advertisers because they provide major revenue for the existence of newspapers.
3. Ethical Objections
a) Advertising appeals make people to use such articles, which may affect their health. For example alcoholic drinks and cigarettes. b) People with less purchasing power cannot afford to buy articles even though advertisements create a strong need in them. Thus a section of society