Opinions are polarized as to the phenomenon that public figures take advantage of their fame and public image to advertise low-quality or fake commodities for their own sake. While some critics argue that these celebrities take full responsibility for promoting deceptive products, I contend that consumers also hold a part of accountabilities when making final purchasing decisions.
On the one hand, proponents of the former view believe that media personalities should bear responsibilities for misleading advertisements. This can be attributed to the fact that their influence can manipulate the public’s trust and behaviors. When celebrities endorse substandard or counterfeit products, their fans can be easily taken in by polished images built during their career path, and ultimately make purchases without careful considerations. For example, Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien crowned Miss Grand International 2021, who has gained popularity among international audiences through community engagement during her reign, capitalized on her media prestige to advertise inferior products titled Kera.
On the other hand, others highlight the main accountabilities of customers. This is because consumers today have easy access to product reviews, official websites, and independent testing results rather than rely solely on celebrity endorsements. It is, therefore, unreasonable to place full blame on celebrities when customers choose to buy without conducting proper research. A pertinent example can be seen in Japan where citizens are predisposed to check reviews offered by experts or former users before making a final decision. As a result, they minimize the risk of buying fake or poor-quality products, making Japan among one of the countries achieving the highest level of shopping satisfaction . Hence, consumer awareness plays a crucial role in preventing deception and ensuring informed purchasing choices.
In conclusion, while famous people are liable for misleading promotions, consumers should not be exempt from responsibility. A balanced approach, combining public education with stricter endorsement regulations, would best protect both consumers and the credibility of advertising.