unethical advertising essay

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The Ethics of False Advertising

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Melissa Pacifico , University at Albany, State University of New York Follow Kaylie Johnson , University at Albany, State University of New York Follow Phillip O'Meara , University at Albany, State University of New York Follow

The Press: Freedom, Bias, Ethics II

Lecture Center 22

3-5-2019 3:15 PM

3-5-2019 4:15 PM

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False advertisement, the use of misleading and untrue information to push a consumer product, is an unethical marketing ploy that has tricked consumers since the beginning of the consumer business industry. With the modern emergence of social media, consumers are now vulnerable than ever to falling victim to these unethical deceptive representations. The ‘Fyre Festival’ documentaries that recently premiered on both Netflix and Hulu are a perfect example of modern day false advertising mixed with the use of unethical social media influencer advertising. In this research project we aim to uncover the significance of unethical advertising and research the results of both ethical and unethical advertising through the examination of four major companies who have been accused of using this tactic. The four companies we will be analyzing are Fyre, Groupon, Hydroxycut, and Redbull, since they are some of the well-known false advertising cases in the United States over the past few years. The goal of our research is to discover whether or not society falls for false advertising and how influencers and companies utilize unethical marketing to lure in consumers or followers. We will focus on four instances of false advertising and will understand how consumers were tricked into spending their money on a certain product, or going on a trip. We will analyze the marketing methods and tactics from each company and examine the trends that we find. We will be looking in depth at each lawsuit and analyze the results of both ethical and unethical advertising.

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What are Some Examples of Unethical Advertising?

• February 22, 2024
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While advertising is an essential tool for promoting products and services, it’s important to recognize that not all advertising practices are ethical.

What are some examples of unethical advertising?

Some examples of unethical advertising include false advertising, where a product’s capabilities are exaggerated or completely fabricated, and bait and switch tactics, where customers are drawn in with the promise of a discounted product only to find it’s either sold out or not as described.

Another example is the use of fear-based advertising, where companies manipulate consumers’ emotions to provoke a response.

In this article, we will explore some examples of unethical advertising practices that have raised concerns.

Unethical Practices in Advertisement

Unethical advertising practices can take many forms, ranging from deceptive tactics to controversial messaging.

These practices can manipulate consumer behavior, mislead the public, and exploit vulnerable individuals. Let’s take a closer look at some common examples:

1. False or Misleading Claims

One of the most prevalent forms of unethical advertising is making false or misleading claims about a product or service.

This could involve exaggerating its benefits, concealing potential risks or side effects, or providing inaccurate information.

Such tactics can deceive consumers and lead to dissatisfaction or harm.

2. Targeting Vulnerable Audiences

Another unethical practice in advertising involves targeting vulnerable audiences, such as children or individuals with limited cognitive abilities.

Exploiting these groups through manipulative techniques can be both morally wrong and potentially illegal.

3. Offensive and Controversial Messaging

Some advertisers push the boundaries of acceptability by using offensive or controversial messaging to generate attention.

While shock value may temporarily grab consumers’ attention, it often comes at the expense of damaging the brand’s reputation and alienating potential customers.

4. Invasion of Privacy

In the digital age, privacy concerns have become increasingly prevalent.

Unethical advertisers may obtain personal information without consent or use invasive tracking technologies to collect data without the user’s knowledge.

This invasion of privacy raises serious ethical questions and erodes consumer trust.

5. Stereotyping and Discrimination

Advertising that perpetuates stereotypes or promotes discrimination is not only unethical but also reinforces harmful societal biases.

This includes portraying certain genders, races, or ethnicities in a negative or stereotypical manner, which can contribute to social divisions and inequality.

Unethical and Controversial Advertising Examples

To further illustrate the impact of unethical advertising practices, let’s examine some real-life examples that have faced criticism:

Case 1: Red Bull’s Misleading Energy Claims

Red Bull, a popular energy drink company, faced controversy over misleading advertising claims.

The company’s slogan, “Red Bull gives you wings,” led to a class-action lawsuit in 2014.

While consumers didn’t literally expect to sprout wings, the slogan was interpreted to mean that the drink would significantly boost performance and concentration, claims that were not backed with scientific evidence.

The company agreed to a $13 million settlement, demonstrating the serious implications of false advertising claims.

Case 2: H&M’s ‘Coolest Monkey in the Jungle’ Sweatshirt

Fashion retailer H&M received backlash for its online ad in 2018 which featured a black child wearing a sweatshirt with the words “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.”

The ad was widely criticized as racially insensitive, as the term ‘monkey’ has been historically used as a racial slur against black people.

H&M apologized and removed the ad, but the controversy caused significant damage to their brand image, with several celebrities disassociating themselves from the brand.

Case 3: Cambridge Analytica’s Facebook Data Scandal

Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm, faced massive backlash and ultimately closed down due to an unethical advertising scandal in 2018.

The company had illicitly harvested personal data from millions of Facebook profiles without user consent to target political ads.

Once this was exposed, it sparked global outrage over privacy violations, shaking confidence in Facebook and leading to a significant drop in the company’s share price.

This incident underscored the severe consequences of unethical advertising practices like invasion of privacy.

At the End of the Day

While advertising is a powerful tool for businesses to promote their offerings, it comes with an ethical responsibility.

Unethical practices, whether it involves making misleading claims, targeting vulnerable audiences, employing offensive messaging, invading privacy, or perpetuating stereotypes, can inflict lasting damage on a brand’s reputation and consumer trust.

Companies need to adhere to ethical guidelines and prioritize transparency and respect for their audience.

Not only will this promote a healthier consumer-brand relationship, it also contributes towards a more truthful and respectful advertising environment.

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How to draw the line on unethical marketing.

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Ethical business practices are important in every industry, including digital marketing. Consumers are often distrustful. The public hasn’t forgotten past ads that they suspected were too good to be true that turned out to be less than truthful.

I’ve found that past deceptive marketing practices have caused consumers to look for tricky wording in ads, read the fine print, read consumer reviews and do background research on companies. Likely due to bad marketing practices, many of today’s consumers expect transparency in marketing -- the assurance that companies solidly stand behind their claims.

Ethical Versus Unethical Marketing

Our core beliefs are grounded in our personal ethics and extend into our work practices. In marketing, it’s less of whether you think your marketing practices are ethical and more of whether consumers believe they’re ethical.

Ethical marketing means making honest claims to attract potential customers. When customers perceive your marketing practices to be honest and genuine, they can begin to trust in your brand. Mutual trust works to develop brand loyalty, which keeps customers coming back and motivates them to spread the word about your business.

What Is Unethical Marketing?

On the flip side, unethical marketing sends the wrong messages out to prospects about your products and services. These practices can lead to legal problems, but more importantly, they can lead to reputational loss or destroy your brand.

Unethical marketing practices aren’t always obvious. Deception in subtle ways is just as misleading. These practices are major turn-offs for consumers and, sometimes, they can be illegal, too.

Here are some common unethical marketing practices to be aware of:

• Misleading advertising.

• Contacting people without their consent.

• Inciting controversy.

• Emotional exploitation.

My advice is: Avoid these unethical marketing campaigns and practices at all costs.

1. Misleading Advertising Misses The Mark

Misleading ads are unethical, and they’re illegal, too. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates truth in advertising , and it expects marketers to make accurate statements in their advertising campaigns, back claims with scientific evidence whenever possible and be transparent about negative features.

It’s common for marketers to highlight the best features of their products and downplay the negatives to improve sales. The line between ethical and unethical gets a little murky in these types of ads. Marketers cross the line to the unethical when they can’t prove their claims.

2. Contacting Consumers Without Consent 

The FTC enforces the CAN-SPAM Act which sets commercial email standards, such as not contacting prospects without their consent. Upon consumer request to unsubscribe, you must take them off your list to abide by the law.

Before you’re tempted to buy a list of prospects, consider that bugging the wrong customers too many times will do you more reputational harm than good.

3. Insensitive Controversy May Stir Up Trouble 

Some marketers try to stir up controversy or present an unpopular opinion just to get people talking. Bad news often gets as much attention as good news, but that doesn’t mean that it will send customers your way. Take caution -- relying on this unethical practice may result in more enemies than customers.

4. Emotional Exploitation Can Explode In A Bad Way 

A great ad can make you bust out laughing, bring tears to your eyes or help you recall a pleasant memory from “way back when.” Using ads to prey on consumers’ emotions can force a bond with your brand. But they can also backfire on you just as easily. Be careful about crossing the line with tasteless ads that exploit human emotions.

What About Black Hat Link-Building?

Perhaps one of the most controversial marketing strategies, even among marketers, is black hat link-building. Whether it crosses the line to unethical practices depends on how marketers implement it.

In search engine optimization (SEO) expert Craig Campbell’s presentation on black hat SEO, he talks about the importance of considering the client’s budget. Many smaller companies just don’t have the funds to run multiple campaigns. In these cases, it makes sense to implement other practices, like using paid blog posts. Some people may perceive them as “black hat.” In truth, they’re more strategic SEO practices with return on investment (ROI) in mind.

These practices may be the only way to move the needle at times, and as long as they're not hurting the customer, they don’t cross the line into the territory of unethical practices. Campbell states that “there is a difference between being clever and being spammy,” and that’s a philosophy I can agree with.

Earning inbound links to your website is a practical way to boost organic search. I’ve found that there is a right time and place for clever backlink-building.

Here are two keys to how I hold the line on ethical marketing:

1. I use content to reach the target audience and cite original research that relates to the brand.

2. Paid blog posts are okay as long as they’re honest and don’t hurt the customer.

For instance, one of my clients struggled to get reviews, so I ran an internal promotion with a reward for the salesperson who got the most reviews. This isn’t unethical because I trained the sales team on how to get more reviews, and the reviews were authentic.

When using SEO tactics, however, avoid these unethical practices:

• Spamming comment sections.

• Leaving links on forum threads.

• Hacking websites to plant self-serving links in them.

• Paying for links and reselling them for more to marketers who lack the knowledge on how to use them effectively.

As a marketer, it is your responsibility to net ROI marketing while holding the line on ethical marketing practices. Customers expect transparency, and newer technology will give them access to it. It’s time for us to rise to the occasion and quit pretending unethical practices are acceptable.

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Advertising Ethics

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Ethical product promotion ; Moral advertising

Introduction

This is a study and concern about how one ought and ought not to promote products, services, and ideas through various sorts of media. Issues include not only the truth in advertising but the appropriate methods of persuasion as well as concern for potential harms caused, the undermining of autonomy, or other negative effects of advertising on society.

What is advertising? Advertere in Latin literally is ad (“toward”) and vertere (“to turn”), and the point of advertising is to get potential customers to turn toward a product, service, or idea. Advertising has a positive role in society by alerting people with common interests to products or services which they really want and need. As Leiser has written, “Advertising is far more ancient, and in some respects more respectable, than many people imagine. In a sense, the first person to cut open a fruit or vegetable so that passersby could see its interior before buying it...

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Arrington R (1982) Advertising and behavior control. J Bus Ethics 1(1):3–12

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Andrew B. Gustafson

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Gustafson, A.B. (2021). Advertising Ethics. In: Poff, D.C., Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Business and Professional Ethics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-23514-1_411-1

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Influencers, what is unethical advertising and how to avoid it.

There will be occasions in your marketing career when you will naturally doubt a campaign's ethics, or perhaps be involved in something unethical. Even if you try to avoid it, it may be unavoidable, especially if you are under pressure from other parties to complete tasks quickly without having time to consider your options.

What Is Unethical Advertising?

What are some examples of unethical advertising, why is misleading advertising unethical, what is unethical in business.

Consumers will have a deep ingrained mistrust in your company or brand once unethical acts are uncovered (which is more than likely to happen in the age of the internet, considering how quickly information can spread), and this mistrust may never recover. Simply said, people don't like being misled, and they don't appreciate feeling exploited - regardless of whether your product or service is truly useful to them.

This essay delves deeper into the distinction between ethical and unethical marketing, as well as why unethical marketing should be avoided at all costs.

.vaecwt-y51p0m{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:1px;}.vaecwt-y51p0m:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.vaecwt-y51p0m:hover::after{content:" #";opacity:0.6;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;} What Is Ethical Advertising?

Ethical marketing is a mindset, not merely a strategy. Because people's perspectives on what is 'good' and 'wrong' are so fluid and alter based on their personal experiences, culture, and education, there are no fixed criteria for ethical advertising. Marketers and advertisers must do what is right in the eyes of the majority of their audience and consider what works morally.

Now that we've discussed ethical advertising and what it comprises, let's look at unethical marketing. So, what precisely is unethical marketing? Unethical marketing manipulates people's emotions to get them to buy a product or engage with a service. It does this by utilizing print ads , TV commercials, and other mediums to purposely elicit sentiments of grief, fury, and/or fear in order to get people to react in ways they wouldn't normally.

• Spamming - is when a company sends out spam emails, letters, or otherwise tries to contact a customer more than once.
• Plagiarism or content theft - stealing content directly from other companies' websites or marketing materials.
• Defaming/attempting to bring down the competition - apparent attempts to discourage people from purchasing competitors' products
• Spreading false information or lies - exaggerating the benefits of a product while obfuscating the drawbacks
• Exploiting emotions - this can be done in a variety of ways, including provoking controversy or purposefully upsetting content, or guilt-tripping customers into donating money or purchasing a product.
• Buying links is an example of a ‘black hat' method.

Volkswagen is embroiled in a low-emissions scam.Volkswagen was caught out purposefully misleading customers by marketing low-emission vehicles using data from emission tests they had cheated on[v] in an infamous scandal. This is a great example of why it's not worth it to deceive customers.

Activia yoghurts are a type of yoghurt that contains active ingredients. Activia claimed on its packaging in 2010 that their yoghurts had "unique bacterial components" and that they had been scientifically proven to strengthen immune systems.

As a result, they were able to rationalize their items being significantly more expensive than identical products from their competitors. Of course, this was incorrect, and Dannon was hit with a $45 million class action settlement.

• The use of sex, particularly the usage of women as sex objects, is a controversial topic.It is true for many things, such as aftershave lotion and motorcycles, in which women are featured in commercials but have no involvement with the products in real life.
• Advertisement of Alcohol. In India, alcohol advertising is prohibited in both broadcast and print media. However, we can find alcohol manufacturers promoting for Soda in an attempt to keep the brand name fresh in consumers' thoughts.
• Tobacco advertisement is frowned upon as unethical advertising. To emphasize the risks, all cigarette advertisements should include a statutory warning that smoking is harmful to one's health. However, advertisers produce very colorful and appealing cigarette advertising that create the idea, particularly to the youth, that smoking cigarettes is actually graceful.
• False Statements. It is a case of false claim if an air-conditioning company promotes that it employs foreign compressors in its machines for superior performance while actually utilizing an indigenously built one. Advertisements for mixes and chemicals that claim to be able to slow down the aging process are considered unethical.

Deceptive advertising that promotes a service or product is unethical because it fails to provide consumers with all of the information they require to make an informed decision. As a result, people may waste money on things or services that they do not require or desire.

Anything that violates the minimum norms of business behaviour falls within the notion of unethical business practices. This encompasses any actions widely seen as ethically reprehensible and leading to the abuse of humans, animals, or the environment.

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• Ethical Marketing Principles

Ethical Marketing Principles, Benefits, and Examples

Table of Contents

Introduction, 1. honesty and transparency, 2. fairness and respect, 3. maintaining user privacy, 4. accountability, 5. sustainability, benefits of ethical marketing, examples of ethical marketing.

Ethical marketing is an approach to promoting a product, service, or brand that aligns with one’s values and morals. It involves being honest, transparent, and fair in promotional activities, respecting user privacy, being accountable for mistakes, and incorporating sustainability into business practices. In this blog post, we will explore the principles of ethical marketing, discuss its benefits, and provide real-life examples of companies that embrace ethical marketing.

Principles of Ethical Marketing

Ethical marketing is based on a set of principles that guide how businesses promote their products or services. While the specific principles may vary depending on individual values and definitions of ethics, there are five common themes that are often associated with ethical marketing:

Honesty and transparency are essential principles of ethical marketing. This means avoiding misleading, inflated, or untrue claims in all aspects of the marketing process, including the production and delivery of goods and services, employment practices, and the value proposition of the product. Ethical marketers prioritize data privacy, avoid pressure tactics, and refrain from using dark patterns in user experience design. They also choose suppliers, partners, and platforms that align with their morals and values.

Fairness and respect are subjective principles that can vary from one organization to another. However, a common interpretation of fairness and respect in ethical marketing is to avoid belittling competitors or engaging in name-shaming to attract customers. Ethical marketers focus on presenting the true capabilities of their products or services and refrain from making false promises. They also avoid running ads on their competitors’ brand names, instead relying on educational content to convert prospective customers.

Maintaining user privacy is a crucial aspect of ethical marketing. It encompasses both honesty/transparency and fairness/respect. Ethical marketers prioritize user privacy by avoiding the use of cookies or tracking unless necessary. They also refrain from retargeting tactics in their marketing campaigns. By respecting user privacy, ethical marketers demonstrate their commitment to responsible data practices and build trust with their audience.

Accountability is another principle of ethical marketing. It involves open communication and taking ownership of mistakes. Ethical marketers understand the importance of admitting and rectifying errors promptly. By practicing accountability, they demonstrate integrity and build trust with their customers. Conversely, failing to take accountability for mistakes can lead to reputational damage and loss of consumer trust.

Sustainability is a principle that involves embedding environmental and socially responsible values into a business’s products and practices. Ethical marketers prioritize sustainability by adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes, sourcing materials responsibly, and supporting fair trade practices. Companies like Apple, Patagonia, Market Lane Coffee, and Marou Chocolate are examples of businesses that embrace sustainability as a core value.

Ethical marketing offers several benefits for businesses that embrace this approach:

Building Trust : Ethical marketing builds trust among potential customers. By being honest, transparent, and accountable, businesses demonstrate integrity and reliability, which are essential for establishing long-term relationships with customers.

Positive Publicity : Ethical marketing can lead to positive publicity. When businesses prioritize ethics and act in socially responsible ways, they often attract media attention and positive mentions from influencers. This can increase brand visibility and enhance reputation.

Backlinks and SEO : Ethical marketing practices can also result in backlinks from reputable websites. When businesses are recognized for their ethical initiatives, they may receive positive mentions and coverage from authoritative sources. These backlinks can improve search engine rankings and increase organic traffic.

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of ethical marketing in practice, let’s explore four real-life examples of companies that embrace ethical marketing:

https://ethicalmarketer.org : Ethical Marketing at Ahrefs takes a unique approach. They prioritize honesty and transparency by avoiding overselling the utility of their toolset. They focus on providing valuable educational content to their audience and refrain from forcing product pitches. Ahrefs also demonstrates accountability by openly acknowledging mistakes and making necessary improvements. Additionally, they engage in philanthropic initiatives such as donation matching and sponsorships to give back to the community.

Marou Chocolate : Marou Chocolate is a Vietnamese-based bean-to-bar chocolate brand that exemplifies ethical marketing. They maintain transparency throughout their chocolate-making process, working closely with Vietnamese cacao farmers and overseeing production to ensure quality and fair trade practices. Marou Chocolate publishes detailed reports on their sourcing process, supporting small cacao producers, and their commitment to sustainability.

Patagonia : Patagonia, an outdoor clothing label, is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Their mission statement, “We’re in business to save our home planet,” reflects their dedication to ethical marketing. Patagonia incorporates sustainability into every aspect of their business, from using recycled materials in their products to donating a portion of their profits to environmental organizations.

Market Lane Coffee : Market Lane Coffee, an Australia-based specialty coffee roaster and retailer, is committed to fairness, transparency, and sustainability. They prioritize ethical sourcing practices, ensuring coffee farmers receive fair compensation for their work. Market Lane Coffee provides detailed information about their sourcing process and supports initiatives that promote sustainable coffee production.

Ethical marketing is a multifaceted approach to promoting products, services, and brands in a way that aligns with one’s values and morals. It encompasses principles such as honesty, transparency, fairness, respect, user privacy, accountability, and sustainability. Embracing ethical marketing can lead to benefits like building trust, positive publicity, and backlinks from reputable sources. Real-life examples from companies like Ahrefs, Marou Chocolate, Patagonia, and Market Lane Coffee demonstrate how ethical marketing can be practiced in various industries. By prioritizing ethics, businesses can establish strong relationships with customers and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible marketplace.

This blog post was written by https://ethicalmarketer.org.

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Unethical Adverts: A Model IELTS Essay

Posted by David S. Wills | May 30, 2017 | Model Essays | 2

Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society.

To what extent do you agree with this view?

Model Answer

If a company wants to increase awareness about its products, it must engage in some form of advertising. For this reason, adverts are everywhere that we look, including TV, the internet, posters, and billboards. Some adverts are very innovative and informative, but others incorporate unethical and unacceptable methods to gain people’s attention. To start with, the competitive nature of the advertising world is such that many businesses resort to inappropriate means to make their products known. These include deception, which refers to misleading consumers with faulty information about a product. We can see this everywhere from inaccurate pictures of food to false promises on health supplements. There is also a tendency to use stereotypes to attract people or make people laugh. However, these stereotypes may be racist or sexist and contribute to a decline in social harmony. Additionally, the may also damage the company’s reputation. Some people argue that it’s not all bad because they think some adverts are funny. However, they wouldn’t think it was funny if the advert made fun of them. People also argue that a little exaggeration is not a bad thing because a discerning customer should know better. However, many consumers are tricked, and some of these people are children or the elderly. It is unfair to take advantage of these groups. To conclude, I believe the unethical and unacceptable advertising practices are common these days, and that we should oppose them vociferously. A variety of means should be taken into consideration to ensure a set of reasonable advertising guidelines, with suitable punishments for transgressions.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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• Advertising Essay

Model Essay for IELTS - Advertising

This essay for IELTS is on the subject of  advertising .

There are various types of questions you can get in the IELTS writing test and you'll see samples of them all over the following pages, but this one is an  agree / disagree  essay.

In these types of essays, you are presented with one opinion. Take a look at the opinion here in the question:

Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society.

To what extent do you agree with this view?

So your options are:

In the answer below, the writer agrees 100% with the opinion.

As you can see, the writers opinion is made clear in the thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction).

Model Essay for IELTS

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Essay for IELTS Model Answer

The world that we live in today is dominated by advertising. Adverts are on television, on the World Wide Web, in the street and even on our mobile phones. However, many of the strategies used to sell a product or service can be considered immoral or unacceptable.

To begin with, the fact that we cannot escape from advertising is a significant cause for complaint. Constant images and signs wherever we look can be very intrusive and irritating at times. Take for example advertising on the mobile phone. With the latest technology mobile companies are now able to send advertising messages via SMS to consumers' phones whenever they choose. Although we expect adverts in numerous situations, it now seems that there are very few places we can actually avoid them.

A further aspect of advertising that I would consider unethical is the way that it encourages people to buy products they may not need or cannot afford. Children and young people in particular are influenced by adverts showing the latest toys, clothing or music and this can put enormous pressure on the parents to buy these products.

In addition, the advertising of tobacco products and alcohol has long been a controversial issue, but cigarette adverts have only recently been banned in many countries. It is quite possible that alcohol adverts encourage excessive consumption and underage drinking, yet restrictions have not been placed on this type of advertising in the same way as smoking. 

It is certainly true to say that advertising is an everyday feature of our lives. Therefore, people are constantly being encouraged to buy products or services that might be too expensive, unnecessary or even unhealthy. In conclusion, many aspects of advertising do appear to be morally wrong and are not acceptable in today's society.

(296 words)

This essay for IELTS is well organized as there are five clear paragraphs, each containing ideas that are relevant, well expressed, and related to the topic. 

Focusing on the language and structures in particular, the essay starts with an appropriate introductory sentence. Linking words are used accurately ( However, In addition, Therefore ).

Phrases that signal opinions are evident ( A further aspect of advertising that I would consider unethical . ..) backed up by reasons (... encourages people to buy products they may not need or cannot afford ) and examples ( Children and young people in particular, are influenced by adverts ).

In general, many other useful phrases are used, indicating a good control of language ( It is quite possible ...  Many people consider . ..  It is certainly true to say .. .).

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• Unethical advertising

Unethical advertising - Essay Example

• Subject: Media
• Type: Essay
• Level: Masters
• Pages: 8 (2000 words)
• Downloads: 2
• Author: izaiahschmeler

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Unethical advertising

Updated 17 February 2023

Subject Marketing

Downloads 54

Category Business

Topic Advertisement ,  Advertising ,  Marketing and Advertising

In order to guarantee a market free from constraints, values and ethics are crucial. A variety of organizations have developed different codes of ethics and behavior defining how marketing and advertising tasks must be carried out. According to Azhar and Shah (2015), businesses with clear ethics and rules guiding their marketing operations, such as advertising, have positive public perceptions. On the other side, Ullah and Hassain (2015) argue that ethical advertising plays a significant role in preserving human dignity as well as society standards, particularly those relating to the rights of children. Advertising has grown to be a significant industry across all worldwide sectors, claims Schauster (2015). Most of these industries; magazines, televisions, newspapers and social media platforms depend on monetary inflows from adverts for survival. On the other hand some of these advertisement media and practices are considered to be unethical since they tend to go overboard. This has led to an uproar on the issues of invasion of privacy and public trust. Ullah and Hassain (2015) explain that currently, advertisements have deeply influenced the manner in which people look at their social positions and their environs. This includes their perceptions of crucial behaviors and actions. According to Schauster (2015), issues of unethical marketing are of great concern based on the fact that marketing plays the role of identifying predicting and satisfying the needs of the desired consumers while maintaining a profitable stand. There is need to analyze unethical advertising as a problem affecting global organizations enjoying local and international presence. Problem Statement Advertisements are considered as media of communication between a business and its customers of intent. It is therefore all-encompassing and has penetrated all aspects of life ()0. ()0 explain that current generations have not only become advertising savvies but also fully attached to different channels of advertisement. As a result, the effect of advertising and advertisements resonates in all aspects of human life in the society today. This ranges from their ways of thinking, how they make key product decisions, how they behave and the manner in which they have reframed previously upheld beliefs and values. On the other hand, the vast field of advertising has been at the center point of controversies based on the wider social problems it has caused because of the unethical stands upheld. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to make an analysis of the issues hindering ethical advertising as an efficient way of product marketing in the United States of America. Research Strategy A model made up of variables will be developed to act as a guide to the proposed research. The framework will include variables which are both dependent and independent in nature. The dependent variables to be exploited will include harm prevalence, lack of stakeholder satisfaction, issues of privacy enhancement and lack of proper value observance. On the other hand, unethical marketing will be looked at as the independent variable as shown below: Dependent Variables Independent Variable Lack of proper value observance Harm prevalence Unethical marketing Lack of stakeholder satisfaction Issues of privacy enhancement Research Methodology The research will take the form of an empirical study aimed at analyzing advertising as an aspect of marketing based on its ethical perspective in the United States of America. It will make use of primary data collected by the use of questionnaires from the sample size. F-tests and variance of analysis (ANOVA) will be used to assess the significance of deviations in the selected variables. A simple factor analysis and principle content analysis (PCA) will be conducted for the purposes of this research by the application of a simple model of regression analysis of the variables under consideration.co-effects of variation; mean returns and sum of squares will be used as methods of capturing the results of the study. A number of initiatives will be adopted for effective shortlisting of the variables selected for his study. For instance, focus meetings will be embraced as a way of ensuring that a more focused review is obtained. In this case, reviews for the groups selected from the companies of choice will be facilitated by the researcher. The first draft of factors will then undergo a piloting process. Factor analysis will be applied to the ethical issues in advertising under analysis by this study. Testing of hypotheses will be done by the use of a standardized path coefficient (r-path coefficient). In this case, the p-value of the r-path coefficient will be measured at a 0.05 level of significance. Sample size Primary data will be collected with the aid of questionnaires covering a population of 350 respondents. The respondents will be selected from three leading technological companies; Google, Facebook and amazon in the ratio 2:3:4. Data Collection Based on the fact that this will be an empirical study, structured questionnaires will be used in data collection. A total of 350 questionnaires will be administered to employees selected from Google, Facebook and amazon in the ratio 2:3:4. Research Question The study aims at finding answers to the following question: What are the social and economic effects of unethical advertising on the morality of American communities? References Azhar, N., & Shah, F. M. (2015). The Impact of Unethical Advertisements on Women Buying Behavior in Pakistan. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 423. Ullah, N., & Hussain, M. (2015). Impact of Unethical Advertising, Misleading Information or Deceptive Advertising on Customer Purchasing Intention with Mediating Effect of Word of Mouth: Case of Pakistan. International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development, 1(4), 49-69. Schauster, E. (2015). The relationship between organizational leaders and advertising ethics: An organizational ethnography. Journal of Media Ethics, 30(3), 150-167. Appendix1: Questionnaire What is the relationship between the contents of advertisement and the medium of advertisement? Based on your own view, do you think your company treats its audiences of advertisement in a fair way? What time does your company advertise its products on visual and audio media? What products, ideas do you think your company needs not to advertise at the time stated in above? Does your company scrutinize the content delivered to its media of advertisement before delivering it to its targeted audiences?

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Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable – IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Dec 08, 2023

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Table of Contents

• Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable
• Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable
• Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable

IELTS Writing Task 2 Connectors for Gaining Bonus Points in the Sample Answers for Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable

Additional resources.

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Agree Disagree essays, like ‘Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable’, are the most common type of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2.

In contrast to classic  Agree Disagree essays , ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree’ questions do not specifically ask you to declare your level of agreement or disagreement with the statement. You can either say for or against the notion or you can partly agree or disagree with it. Once you’ve made up your mind, come up with two or three arguments in favour of it.

The ‘Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable’ is an Agree/Disagree Writing Task 2 question will help you acquaint yourself with the format of structuring an IELTS Agree Disagree essays. If you want to practise regularly, check out the  Writing Task 2 practice tests .

Let’s have a look at the Agree Disagree essay – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable – with three expert-curated sample answers for different  IELTS band scores .

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience., you should write at least 250 words..

Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable

Nowadays, people believe that a few methods used in advertisements are unethical and unacceptable. I agree with this statement, and this essay will discuss it.

False marketing practices present the unethical practices popular in advertising. They not only hurt public trust but also highlighted the lack of truthfulness in advertising. Also, taking advantage of innocent groups of people, particularly children, is another disturbing aspect. Advertisements for chocolates and health drinks, decorated with vibrant colors and cartoon characters, display the tricking of young minds, contributing to concerns about childhood obesity. For example, the Cocoa Puffs cereal advertising campaign featuring the character Sonny the Cuckoo Bird has been criticized for selling sugary cereals to children.

Then, companies often claim environment-friendly practices in their advertising, which can mislead consumers about a brand’s dedication to protecting the environment. Sometimes, healthcare ads play on viewers’ emotions by showing extreme health improvements without giving a balanced view of possible side effects, possibly cheating individuals. For example, certain advertisements for food supplements often focus on before-and-after plans, showing individuals who claim to have experienced health improvements. These ads may emphasize the benefits of the supplements while ignoring information about side effects.

In the end, false claims and exploitation of certain groups are real concerns that show the true nature of advertisements today. So, we need to protect ourselves from these unethical practices. (225 words)

Vocabulary 

• Highlighted (Verb)

Meaning: to draw special attention to

E.g.: The teacher highlighted the importance of honesty and hard work.

• Truthfulness (Noun)

Meaning: the quality of being honest and not containing or telling any lies

E.g.: The boy got a badge of truthfulness in the summer camp celebration.

• Aspect (Noun)

Meaning: one part of a situation, problem, subject, etc.

E.g.: The police looked into every aspect of the murder investigation but did not find anything.

• Vibrant (Adjective)

Meaning: full of energy and life

E.g.: The selfish giant had vibrant colored flowers and sweet fruits in his garden.

• Tricking (Verb)

Meaning: to make someone believe something that is not true

E.g.: He knew that tricking someone is bad, yet he did that to win the debate.

• Balanced (Adjective)

Meaning: considering all sides or opinions equally

E.g.: The essay provided a balanced opinion and let the reader decide the right path.

• Emphasize (Verb)

Meaning: give special importance or value to (something) in speaking or writing

E.g.: The leader needs to emphasize the importance of teamwork in the next meeting.

• Concerns (Noun)

Meaning: a matter of interest or importance to one; that which relates to or affects one; affair; matter; business

E.g.: Mita raised all her concerns in front of the jury and asked for a solution.

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Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable

Advertising is a powerful tool that builds societal opinions and influences consumer behavior. While many advertisements stick to ethical standards, most people believe that these ads use methods that can be considered unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. I support the popular view and will discuss it in the following paragraphs with popular examples.

To begin with, many advertisements use misleading information to influence consumers. These false claims about a product’s effectiveness or exaggerated benefits can misguide consumers, ultimately destroying trust. For example, Red Bull faced a class-action lawsuit in 2013 over its slogan, “Red Bull Gives You Wings.” The case claimed that the energy drink company had misled consumers by suggesting that the product had unique and superior qualities, leading to improved physical and mental performance.

In addition, the exploitation of defenceless groups, such as children, is another wrong aspect of advertising. Some companies target children with advertisements for unhealthy food or products, taking advantage of their limited understanding and openness to convincing techniques. For instance, cereal brands have been blamed for selling high-sugar products, often using colourful and attractive packaging showing cartoon characters to attract children. It contributes to concerns about childhood obesity and the overall health impact of sugary foods. As a result, many consumer rights groups have called for stricter regulations.

In conclusion, while advertising is an important element of the business world, I believe there are instances where unethical methods are applied. Unreliable practices and exploitation of children are clear examples of unacceptable advertising in today’s society. (252 words)

• Societal (Adjective)

Meaning: relating to society or social relations

E.g.: Being a rebel, he always went against societal beliefs.

• Ethical (Adjective)

Meaning: relating to beliefs about what is morally right and wrong

E.g.: You should think about the ethical reasons and make the decision.

• Misleading (Adjective)

Meaning: giving the wrong idea or impression

E.g.: All the evidence the officer found was misleading and therefore led to a different result.

• Exaggerated (Adjective)

Meaning: to make something seem larger, more important, better, or worse than it really is

E.g.: As he exaggerated the events that actually happened, nobody trusted him.

• Lawsuit (Noun)

Meaning: a problem taken to a law court by an ordinary person or an organization rather than the police in order to obtain a legal decision

E.g.: The protestors filed a lawsuit against the company.

• Defenceless (Adjective)

Meaning: having no way to protect yourself from attack or harm

E.g.: The dog lay there defenceless on the road as there was no one to protect him.

• Openness (Noun)

Meaning: the quality of being honest and not hiding information or feelings

E.g.: Nat’s openness brought him closer to his friends and gave his enemies more reasons to hate him.

• Obesity (Noun)

Meaning: having too much body mass

E.g.: Obesity in children has become a concern for everyone.

• Unreliable (Adjective)

Meaning: not able to be trusted or believed

E.g.: Kay is an unreliable person and no one trusts him.

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Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable

It is a common belief that methods used in advertisements to promote products or services are unfair and offensive. While some mislead consumers with false claims and exploit fear, others target vulnerable groups or body image and invade privacy. I am in favor of this notion and will expand on this idea in the following paragraphs with examples.

First and foremost, whenever we see billboards or watch a programme on screen, there are multiple ads that claim to boost immunity and provide health benefits. However, most are untrue, like Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, which claimed that the product could “naturally boost your child’s immunity.” Unfortunately, the claim was found to be groundless, leading to changes in the product’s marketing. Moreover, advertisements of security systems distort crime statistics to create fear, potentially pressuring individuals to purchase unnecessary products out of anxiety.

Most importantly, the most popular commercials are related to beauty products, like fairness creams or weight loss supplements. They promote unrealistic body standards, contributing to body image issues, as seen in cases where photos are extensively edited to create unreasonable ideals. Similarly, unhealthy food advertisements targeting children, such as McDonald’s Happy Meal, often use colourful characters and toys and contribute to unhealthy eating habits among children, leading to concerns about childhood obesity and related health issues. Furthermore, smart TVs and voice-activated assistants like Amazon’s Alexa have faced scrutiny for potential privacy invasion as they listen to home conversations for targeted advertising based on users’ discussions and preferences.

To sum up, the popularity of dishonest, exploitative, and privacy-invading advertising practices confirms my point of view that specific methods are unethical and unacceptable used in the commercials today. Therefore, stricter ethical standards are essential to secure consumer trust and encourage societal values in the ever-evolving field of advertising. (295 words)

• Offensive (Adjective)

Meaning:  very unpleasant

E.g.: The police arrested the strange man as he was making offensive gestures to the people.

• Vulnerable (Adjective)

Meaning: able to be easily hurt, influenced, or attacked

E.g.: The wolf did not attack the child as it was vulnerable and could not fight back.

• Invade (Verb)

Meaning: to enter forcibly

E.g.: The Germans invaded the French towns and killed many people.

• Groundless (Adjective)

Meaning: not based on any good reason

E.g.: The employee made some groundless claims about the manager and was fired.

• Distort (Verb)

Meaning:  to change or affect something, especially in a way that makes it worse

E.g.: Do not distort any evidence; present them as they are.

• Anxiety (Noun)

Meaning: a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness

E.g.: After the accident, he became a patient of depression and anxiety.

• Extensively (Adverb)

Meaning: in a way that covers a large area or has a great range

E.g.: The syllabus covered every topic extensively.

• Scrutiny (Noun)

Meaning: the careful and detailed examination of something

E.g.: After the new evidence was discovered, the murderer was put under further scrutiny.

• Exploitative (Adjective)

Meaning: taking unfair or unethical advantage of a person, group, or situation for the purpose of profit, comfort, or advancement

E.g.: The group took some exploitative steps to use Ray’s talent to win the match and then fire him.

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Check out the list of  connectors  used in the above-given sample answers that will help you add coherence to your writing and earn points for your IELTS Writing Task 2 – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable.

• For example
• To begin with
• In addition
• For instance
•  As a result
• In conclusion
• First and foremost
• Unfortunately
• Most importantly
• Furthermore

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – Methods Used in Advertising are Unethical and Unacceptable – it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that, leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our  FREE evaluation service !

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Practical Ethics

New publication: AI Morality

• August 8, 2024 August 8, 2024

Edited by David Edmonds, Distinguished Research Fellow at the Oxford Uehiro Centre, this collection of lively and accessible essays covers topics such as healthcare, employment, autonomous weapons, online advertising and much more.

A philosophical task force explores how AI is revolutionizing our lives – and what moral problems it might bring, showing us what to be wary of, and what to be hopeful for.

There is no more important issue at present than artificial intelligence. AI has begun to penetrate almost every sphere of human activity. It will disrupt our lives entirely. David Edmonds brings together a team of leading philosophers to explore some of the urgent moral concerns we should have about this revolution. The chapters are rich with examples from contemporary society and imaginative projections of the future. The contributors investigate problems we’re all aware of, and introduce some that will be new to many readers. They discuss self and identity, health and insurance, politics and manipulation, the environment, work, law, policing, and defence. Each of them explains the issue in a lively and illuminating way, and takes a view about how we should think and act in response. Anyone who is wondering what ethical challenges the future holds for us can start here.

Includes the following contributions from OUC Researchers:

Risky Business: AI and the Future of Insurance | Jonathan Pugh AI and Discriminatory Intent | Binesh Hass Do AI Systems Allow Online Advertisers to Control Others? | Gabriel De Marco and Tom Douglas Robotic Persons and Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics | César Palacios-González

Edmonds, D. (Ed.), 2024, ‘AI Morality’, (Oxford University Press)

Published: 08 August 2024 | ISBN: 9780198876434 | Oxford University Press

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