Demystifying Advertising in the Age of Social Media | Marie Della Thomas | TEDxCUNY

Advertising Industry Overview - Advertising is a driving force shaping public perception and consumer decision-making [1] - Both print and digital advertising promote brands, connect consumers to products, encourage innovation, and empower businesses [2] - The digital advertising industry is prominent, with social media ad revenue projected to reach $2007 billion in 2025 [4] - Social media is the number one source of brand awareness for consumers aged 16 to 34 [5] Advertising Mechanisms and Impact - Advertising works through mass-scale appearance in publications designed to maximize reach and repeated sharing by consumers [6] - Algorithms play a significant role in marketing, determining what will be shown to consumers and whom it will be shown to [16] - Social media algorithms study consumer shopping behaviors and patterns to tailor ads for individual users [17] Consumer Awareness and Education - Consumers need to understand the mechanisms that drive their buying habits due to the potential for overconsumption and pressure to purchase [3] - An educated consumer can guard against manipulative algorithms that encourage unnecessary spending [20] - Consumers should be aware of the potential for misinformation and online deception on social media [23] - It's essential to distinguish between unpaid posts and advertisements on social media platforms [24] Impact on Mental Health - Social media can be connected to depression and anxiety among teens [21] - The pressure to have the latest items promoted on social media can negatively affect emotions and mental health [22]