Social Benefits
In addition to public service advertisements, traditional advertisements that market a product or service can offer social benefits. In fact, according to Megan VandeKerckhove, a student at the University of Florida's Interactive Media Lab, advertising is free speech, and it can work to promote free speech. According to VandeKerchkhove, this is especially true in countries where free speech has been suppressed. Advertising there, especially when it comes from the Western world where free speech is embraced, can encourage the idea that free speech is important. Furthermore, freedom of choice and advertising-supported entertainment, which is often a promoter of social change, are two important components of society that are both promoted through advertising.
Related Reading: Problems With the Advertising Carryover Effect
Economic Benefits
Advertising has a number of positive effects on economies both in the U.S. and abroad. According to the International Advertising Association, advertising can encourage companies to compete and provide new products. This encourages more consumers to buy because these products meet the needs and wants of more