undefined | Better HN

0 pointsLordKano10y ago0 comments

I agree with you.

An ad may make me aware of a product of which I had not previously been but it's not going to induce me to buy something in which I had no previous interest.

If I'm thinking of Widget Class X Brand A, an ad might make me aware of Brand B and I may eventually purchase the Brand B but I was going to purchase Widget Class X anyway.

If I had no interest in Widget Class Z, it doesn't matter how many ads I see for it, I'm still not going to buy it.

0 comments

ferentchak10y ago

What if the ad makes you aware of a "problem" that you didn't know you had that they have a product that can address. Think for example an ad reinforces the underlying fear that you are not social enough because you enjoy programming by yourself. It explains that a pill to help "anxiety" is what you need to be healthy or maybe a class to help you become better spoken will change your life for the better.

Many people fail to note that an advertisement often creates or reinforces your fear and sells you the solution to the newly created problem.

rockdoe10y ago

Hell, advertisements for candy or drinks. I wasn't aware that I was hungry or thirsty but that sure looks tasty!

ionised10y ago

That's called psychological manipulation and exploitation.

When you understand and come to terms with the fact that that's what pretty much all ads are doing, it becomes much simpler to view the ads only with disgust and avoid the brands they are peddling in future.

joelbrewer0110y ago

"...in which I had no previous interest"

What piqued your interest to begin with?

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse