Everywhere you look, whether it is on television, magazines, the internet or billboards, there are dozens of products or services that are pushed onto consumers. The firms that are responsible for creating these advertisements are paid to persuade the consumer that he or she needs the product being advertised. The techniques used in the advertising industry usually focus on the benefits that will be brought to the consumer than on the actual product itself, giving people false hope for a better life if they buy their products.

Why are people so easily influenced by advertising? One only needs to turn on their television to see why people are tempted to buy the latest and greatest gadgets on the market. Some credit can be given to the king of infomercials - Ronco. Everyday, a different product is being peddled which promises to lighten the load while working in the kitchen or cleaning the house. Sometimes, these products look miraculous and even too good to be true, but people buy them anyway. They are repeatedly promised and even guaranteed by actual user testimony that the product works. For example, Oxy-Clean guarantees to get all kinds of stains out of fabric and carpets. T

It is not surprising that our values are influenced by the media. Almost every woman featured in advertising is either thin, pretty or both. The images portrayed can make women feel that if their body is not shaped a certain way, they cannot be successful. For example, Weight Watchers latest weight loss program is called 123 Success. Jenny Craig and the makers of Slim Fast also tell us to "lose weight and feel great". The fine print, however, tells us that the results shown are not typical. Advertising can also make people want the best of everything. It is particularly evident in the spin placed upon us by the automobile industry. Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Acura and the list goes on. Whatever happened to the good old "heartbeat of America" campaign led by Chevrolet? Practical cars are just as good, if not more economical.

hen there is the mop that can get into the toughest spots with no problem. There is even a Rolly Kit that can organize any junk drawer. Let us not forget about the ShowTime Rotisserie Cooker, "just set it and forget it!" I can remember way back when I was a little girl, and the big item that was being advertised was the Buttoneer. This clever gadget quickly attached buttons to clothing without threading a needle. I am sure many homemake

Some common words found in the essay are:
Chevrolet Practical, Impact Society, Ronco Everyday, Santa Claus, Thanksgiving Black, Speaking Christmas, Slim Fast, Rotisserie Cooker, Audi Acura, Weight Watchers, christmas surprising, impact society, home god, life free,
Approximate Word count = 863
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)