Manipulation and Television Commercials

Manipulation is a hot topic in personal selling circles but Advertising has to be one of the biggest offenders around... or not. What is your opinion. Is advertising manipulative?

Seth - Can you confirm what you are meaning by saying advertising is the biggest offender??

Cheers
Keith

Originally Posted by Snowboy Seth - Can you confirm what you are meaning by saying advertising is the biggest offender??

When I wrote this I was thinking about television commercials specifically those on the big networks. Can a moderator change the title please?

Seth,
I say No. Where do you get your answer from?

Cheers
Gunner

Originally Posted by Seth When I wrote this I was thinking about television commercials specifically those on the big networks.

Break down some of the most effective television commercials and you can count on finding elements of persuasion - scarcity, authority, social proof, liking - built in. Now is that manipulation? Probably.

Originally Posted by Jolly Roger Break down some of the most effective television commercials and you can count on finding elements of persuasion - scarcity, authority, social proof, liking - built in. Now is that manipulation? Probably.

In my opinion many advertisers include beautiful and scantily clad models in commercials as a method of influencing the viewer.

Originally Posted by Jolly Roger Break down some of the most effective television commercials and you can count on finding elements of persuasion - scarcity, authority, social proof, liking - built in. Now is that manipulation? Probably.

I agree Jolly Roger

Originally Posted by Calvin In my opinion many advertisers include beautiful and scantily clad models in commercials as a method of influencing the viewer.

I agree with you Calvin - however I think definately influence but not munipulation.

Your thoughts?

Originally Posted by Seth Manipulation is a hot topic in personal selling circles but Advertising has to be one of the biggest offenders around... or not. What is your opinion. Is advertising manipulative?

Advertising can be manipulative depending on the intent of the advertiser. Did anyone see the Derren Brown special on tv where he manipulated the two Saatchi & Saatchi ad executives?

I think no. Advertising is a form of a Call to action in order to inspire the customer to act on what they are already considering - HOw is this munipulative??