Lesson 4 Advertising in the Digital Era

Media Insights

A. Watch

1. Watch the video and pay attention to the advertising tactics used to capture your attention.

Script
W :
Advertising is incredibly powerful, with U.S. companies spending a huge $278 billion each year. Ads use clever tricks to grab our attention and influence our choices. For example, colors play a big role: red makes us feel excited, green suggests freshness, and blue builds trust. Ads also use pricing strategies to make deals seem better than they really are. When celebrities promote products, like smartphones or skincare items, sales often increase quickly because we tend to trust and want what famous people recommend. Another common trick is using fun songs or slogans that stick in our minds. These memorable phrases or tunes make us more likely to remember the product.
Understanding these tactics helps us make smarter decisions. It’s important to be aware of how ads try to influence us and to think critically about whether we truly need what they’re selling. By balancing our reactions to ads with our actual needs and values, we can make better decisions and support brands that are honest and ethical.