The Influence Of Advertising And Social Media In Today's Society

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term “advertising” refers to the action of calling something to the attention of the public, especially by paid announcements (“Advertising”).In today’s society, people are constantly bombarded with advertisements every day, whether through television, social media, billboards, or magazines. Pope Paul IV was right for stating, “No one now can escape the influence of advertising” (Pontifical Council for Social Communication 1). Advertisers are extremely powerful in today’s society. In fact, several broadcasters rely on advertising revenue to survive. A 2014 study found that the average person is exposed to almost four hundred advertisements each day. This exposure continues to increase each day (“New Research Sheds Light on Daily Ad

Advertisements are highly influential in impacting the way individuals view life, the world, and themselves (6). The Church uses the analogy of advertising using social media as its vehicle, stating advertising is, “A pervasive, powerful force shaping attitudes and behaviors in today’s world” (1). Advertisements challenge people to question their values, actions, and behaviors. The outcome of this challenge is capable of being either positive or negative. The advertisers can help people to better understand the truth and the common good, and move them to choose behaviors and actions that promote the common good. Through communicating positive messages of subjects such as faith, patriotism, and tolerance to its audiences, advertisements can uplift and motivate people to act in ways that ultimately contribute to the advancement of society (3). Advertisers are also capable of being destructive towards the human being, moving people to choose to do evil (6). This is why the Church encourages advertisers to use techniques that do not manipulate or exploit their