In the era of rampant consumerism, individuals believe that the dominant force behind the significant sales figures of consumer goods is predominantly attributed to the influential prowess of advertising, rather than being an accurate reflection of society’s authentic necessities. I wholeheartedly agree with the standpoint, as it effectively demonstrates the manipulation of desires, the creation of artificial needs, and the promotion of materialism and conspicuous consumption.
Firstly, advertising has the ability to manipulate and shape individual desires, thereby creating specious needs. To brief, advertisements employ emotional appeals and celebrity endorsements to generate desire for products, emphasizing their perceived benefits and portraying them as essential for a happy life. Cosmetic advertisements, for instance, use airbrushed images of flawless models to create a sense of inadequacy and encourage the purchase of beauty products. Additionally, the utilization of limited-time offers, flash sales, and exclusive deals induces a fear of missing out, pressuring one to make unnecessary purchases.
Furthermore, advertisements often link personal happiness and fulfillment to the possession of material goods. Advertising links products to desirable lifestyles and status symbols, altering individuals’ motivation for purchasing goods to display wealth and enhance social standing. For example, luxury car adverts often emphasize the status and prestige associated with owning their vehicles, instead of focusing on the practicality or functionality. Moreover, Constant exposure to materialistic messages shapes societal values and priorities, prioritizing the acquisition of goods over addressing vital social needs such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, I utterly accord that the predominant factors driving the substantial sales of consumer goods are the manipulation of human desires, fabrication of artificial needs, and the promotion of materialistic inclinations and extravagant spending, as opposed to society’s actual needs.