While many people think that fast-food companies should be precluded from advertising, others argue that unrestricted corporate advertising as an integral part of a free-market economy. There are valid arguments on both sides, which will be discussed below.
On the one hand, people contend that the government should prevent the advertising of fast food products. Firstly, rampant fast food advertisements will negatively affect people’s lifestyles, especially children. Fast food is inherently not good for health, widespread advertising of these products will stimulate consumers to use more fast food. Since then, there have been many dangers to the health of everyone, especially children, who have a great love for fast food. A study shows there is a link between regular fast food consumption and obesity among adolescents. Next, advertising should encourage people to keep fit, not to ruin their health. The main role of advertising is to promote products, but the products marketed to customers must help their lives, helping the quality of life to improve and become better, not products that are not good for their health. The marketing of fast food to consumers does not have an immediate effect but causes long-term harm.
On the other hand, other individuals believe that every business has the freedom to market its products to consumers, including fast food companies. First of all, for many people, fast food is an indispensable part of their lives. For people with busy working and not much time to cook, fast food is the most time-saving method they can find. Or for many people, fast food costs less than healthy food, even when cooking for themselves, going to the market costs more than ordering a hamburger and coke. Next, freedom is the minimum right of a citizen and when it comes to a food business, it is even more important and meaningful. A business company has the right to advertise and market products to consumers to increase revenue, and once revenue increases high and strongly, taxes will increase and that will also help the country’s development. Furthermore, fast food may be a need of some segments of consumers nationwide. Maybe this person doesn’t need it and feels it is harmful, but it is a need for the other person.
In conclusion, although it is clear that the freedom of advertising is the right of fast food companies, I hold a strong belief that the government should limit the widespread advertising of foods that are harmful to health.