Advertising, PR, propaganda

Advertising

Increase the sales of products or services

Propaganda

Influence attitudes, values and behaviors by activating strong emotions, simplifying information

Public relations

Represent a company’s goals and actions as responsive to the public

Astroturfing

Fake public support

lobbying

Trying to influence politicians or laws to benefit a group or company

Features of propaganda

1. activate strong emotions 

2. respond to the audience needs 

3. simplify information 

4. attack opponents 

Association principle and Advertising as Myth with Examples

Association Principle: Connect a product to positive feelings or lifestyle.

• Example: Perfume ad shows glamorous people → makes you feel elegant if you use it.

• Advertising as Myth: Ads create a story or dream life around a product.

  • Example: Car ad shows freedom and adventure → suggests buying it will make life exciting.

Diversity in Advertising through the years. Minority Groups? + How have women been treated?+

What is the impact of lack of diversity?

• Minority Groups: In the past, advertising showed mostly white, traditional families and ignored many. today more realistic and inclusive.

• Women: Used to be shown as housewives or objects of beauty; now more often independent and professional.

• Impact of lack of diversity: Reinforces stereotypes, excludes voices, and can alienate audiences.

Advertising regulation

• FTC (Federal Trade Commission): stops false ads and protects consumers.

• FCC (Federal Communications Commission): Regulates broadcast advertising (TV, radio).It makes sure content follows the rules and protects the public from offensive or unfair broadcasts.

• FDA (Food & Drug Administration): Checks ads for drugs, food, and health products.

• Goal: Protect consumers and ensure ads are truthful and safe.

Super short text:
“FTC, FCC, FDA regulate ads to stop lies and protect people.”

What are 3 possible consequences for deception in advertising from the government?

• Fines – The company must pay money for lying in ads.

• Bans or corrections – The government can stop the ad or make the company fix it.

• Lawsuits – The company can be taken to court by the government or consumers.

Puffery

is when ads exaggerate to sound impressive, but it’s obviously not completely true.

Can you think of any advertisements that are practicing civic engagement by spreading productive messages to society regarding social or political issues?

• Dove “Real Beauty” Campaign – Encourages body positivity and challenges unrealistic beauty standards.

• Nike “Dream Crazy” with Colin Kaepernick – Promotes social justice and standing up for beliefs.

• Always “Like a Girl” – Empowers girls and fights gender stereotypes.

• Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” Earth Day Ads – Raises awareness about environmental protection.

• Ad Council Campaigns (e.g., “Stop the Spread” COVID-19 PSA) – Encourages public health and safety.