[Ayush]

Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things that we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives.
Which viewpoint do you agree with?

It is often said that advertisements acknowledge us about products that can lead to improvement in our lives, however majority individuals believe that these advertisements are a trap leading to buy things which are not required though. I strongly believe that most of the advertisements lure people to purchase things which are not even needed.

Initially, the advertisement; whether on hoarding, flex or on social media like YouTube, Facebook or twitter, attracts a person to imagine about possessing that object highlighted. This person in his sub conscious mind forms an image of possessing that specific object, relates it emotionally and finally buys it. These purchases are usually done by most middle class people from their credit cards or some schemes which eventually put them on debt. For example, after viewing a melodramatic advertisement of some luxurious handbag, one feels as if it is made for her and she should owe it. This lady eventually buy this handbag and willingly put herself in an another debt. However, she already had plenty other handbags and has to pay her other mortgages from meagre salary she gets.

Moreover, major e-commerce companies share their advertisements claiming people to shop on specific days and avail the best discounts and services ever. Seeing these type of promotions, people despite having sufficient, become a prey and buy things which were never needed. For example, In India, Amazon advertises a lot on its big billion days where it offers huge discount and people buy surplus thinking it is the best they can ever get in such a price. However, after buying that stuff they eventually realise that though the product was cheap but they never really wanted it.

Therefore, this common practice of shopping maximum and purchasing things out of budget by falling in a trap of an advertisement should be ceased.