It is believed by some that as people’s needs determine which products to purchase, advertisement is not an essential necessity. However, I strongly disagree with the notion of ads serving no real purpose as a necessity. This is because not only do ads give consumers a minimum guarantee of quality products, but they also make people realize their own needs that have been seen as wants.
First of all, advertising helps people become informed of product’s quality in the most direct way. Given the capability to manufacture, distribute, and, oftentimes, obtain a celebrity endorsement, what companies show in the ad has less importance. To cite an example, KFC evidences that its food is of continued relevance and good quality not because people especially need the food products made by KFC, but because there are massive sponsorship deals between the most famous football players and KFC. Therefore, it is evident that there is enough revenue to validate whatever product they are selling or service they are providing.
In addition to providing evidence, advertising does meet demands while simultaneously creating them. Only a few products can lead to more fulfilling lives, but advertisement appeals to consumer psychology to stimulate desires. As a result, these initial desires will become habitual. The last two decades show us the Apple Company experiencing a rise in the gadget market as a clear example. Ads have played a crucial role in making Apple products popular to such an extent that Apple laptops and smartphones are seen as the best quality and they give people the feeling of being part of a like-minded community. ‘Think different’ campaign is one of the most stylish ads that fostered their dominance. To become part of Apple community and appear cool simply was a desire a few years ago, but at the given moment it is basic need for many users hooked into the Apple ecosystem.
In conclusion, while advertisement is a guarantee of good quality products, it is also a realization of our necessities.