Deceptive Advertising and How it Affects Society (With Examples)

Deceptive Advertising: Impact and Consequences

Deceptive Advertising in the Food Industry

I recently stumbled upon a McDonald’s advertisement that left me feeling cheated. While I don’t expect my Big Mac to look as perfect as in the ads, the line blurs when retailers outright lie about their products or services.

Take Activia, for example, who marketed an ordinary yogurt as capable of preventing colds and flu, claiming it was ‘clinically tested’ and ‘scientifically proven’—which was proven to be false. This led to a lawsuit against Dannon, resulting in a $45 million payout and a requirement to remove misleading claims from their labels.

Deceptive Advertising within Beauty

Nivea – My Silhouette Cream

Nivea’s ‘My Silhouette’ cream claimed it could significantly reduce body size with regular use. Their TV ad featured a woman fitting into old jeans after using the cream, implying dramatic results. This misleading claim led to Nivea paying $900,000 in settlement fees and discontinuing the product. Exploiting insecurities for profit doesn’t sit well with many people.

Rimmel London – Scandaleyes Reloaded

Rimmel London faced scrutiny for exaggerating the effects of their Scandaleyes RELOADED mascara. The Advertising Standards Authority intervened, banning Cara Delevingne’s ad campaign due to unrealistic portrayal. Despite admitting to using post-production techniques to enhance lashes, Rimmel didn’t issue a formal apology.

Impact on Society

Deceptive advertising perpetuates unrealistic standards and can exacerbate societal pressures, contributing to issues like mental health problems and low self-esteem. With millions suffering from depression, brands need to consider the ethical implications of their advertising practices. Consumers are increasingly vocal about deceitful tactics, using social media and word-of-mouth to hold brands accountable.

Conclusion

Ethical advertising isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about respecting consumers and safeguarding brand reputation. Brands that resort to deception risk alienating customers and damaging their own credibility. Instead of misleading tactics, brands should focus on transparency and authenticity in their marketing efforts.

If you’re looking to promote your brand ethically, consider exploring our ethical advertising services.