She Strengthens

The Hidden Truth Behind Consumerism

A Lesson in Self-Awareness

As I reflect on my time in the advertising industry, I’m reminded of the importance of self-realization and authenticity. But my own journey taught me something more practical: the value of work-life balance, the glamour-less reality of new business pitches, and the surprising truth about consumerism.

The Advertising Machine

Capitalism thrives on advertising’s ability to convince consumers to buy beyond their needs. As I worked in the industry, I became acutely aware of these efforts. I saw them everywhere – on TV, Instagram, and even in my mailbox. Consuming media was no longer a relaxing activity, but an ongoing anti-consumer epiphany. I realized that most of the things I wanted to buy were the result of extensive research by companies to convince me that I needed their products.

The Science of Advertising

Companies know you better than you think they do. They use data-mining companies to identify which media platforms their target audience uses, and then place ads accordingly. They target based on age, gender, demographics, location, and interests. So, when you see an ad, it’s because the company thinks you’re the perfect fit to make a purchase.

Spotting Patterns

Next time you see an ad, ask yourself why you think you’re seeing it. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns: certain products air on TV at different times, Instagram ads appear after searching for certain products, and podcast ads align with the episode’s subject matter. Identifying these patterns will help you realize that advertising is a science, and your desire to purchase a product is often a result of this science in action.

The Power of Time

Time is the best way to ensure you’re making purchase decisions based on what you truly want, not what you’re pressured into buying. Create an ongoing wishlist – if you come across an ad for a product you want, place it on the list, and come back to it after two weeks. If you still want the item after that time, go for it. But often, you’ll find the drive to purchase the item will fade over time.

Savvy Consumption

The best ads don’t look like ads. Advertisers constantly look for ways to blend in, and if a lot of people are interacting with a platform, chances are a company will try to sell you things on there. Be savvy – check advertiser disclosure agreements to find if the review is genuine or a result of a contract between a brand and a publisher. Do your research – both with the product and the company. Read reviews from multiple sources and ask around friends and family to get unpaid opinions.

Taking Control

By taking the time to research and make informed decisions, you can feel better about your purchases by rewarding companies that make quality products and align with your values. Through research and purchasing power, you can benefit your own wallet and the brands you continue to interact with in the future. You just need to sift through the advertising noise to do so.