Why do you think companies spend big bucks on advertising? Because they want to entertain people? Because they want to irritate people? I have always thought that I was immune to the manipulating moves of these companies. I have this thing when it comes to manipulation – I pride myself in being able to discern the motives behind actions.
Yet this weekend, I realized – to my dismay – that I have been influenced by media. Despite my pride, the ever present ads have been subtly working to influence me – a little bit here, and a little bit there.
Case in point. I wanted lunch. I didn’t feel like cooking. Where to eat? What to get? Automatically my mind conjured up pictures of a nice juicy burger hot off the grill. Ooh, this burger would be great with crispy fries fresh out of the deep fryer. While I am at it, why not get a super sized softdrink. It will surely quench my thirst and give me enough energy to keep going.
Where do you think those images came from? Maybe my mind made them up myself? I am pretty creative but heck, I know influence when I see it. I can attribute those images – and the craving that ensued – to the endless TV ads, print ads, and even radio ads that I see and hear day in and day out.
You may think that you’re too smart to fall for commercials. I did too. But I was wrong before and boy, I am ashamed to say that I was wrong again.
Originally posted on January 31, 2009 @ 7:24 pm