Lesson 2: The Power of Advertising

About 30 minutes — Activity-based lesson

What You Will Learn

This lesson covers:

Ads are everywhere: TV, social media, billboards, even schools
Tricks advertisers use: urgency, celebrity, FOMO, emotional appeal
When wants feel like needs because of advertising
Thinking critically about ads: asking who benefits

Ads are everywhere: TV, social media, billboards, even schools

This section covers the key ideas about ads are everywhere: tv, social media, billboards, even schools. Discuss with your group or family and explore the concepts together.

Tricks advertisers use: urgency, celebrity, FOMO, emotional appeal

This section covers the key ideas about tricks advertisers use: urgency, celebrity, fomo, emotional appeal. Discuss with your group or family and explore the concepts together.

When wants feel like needs because of advertising

This section covers the key ideas about when wants feel like needs because of advertising. Discuss with your group or family and explore the concepts together.

Thinking critically about ads: asking who benefits

This section covers the key ideas about thinking critically about ads: asking who benefits. Discuss with your group or family and explore the concepts together.

Check Your Understanding

1. Name two tricks advertisers use to make you want something.

Answer: Common tricks include: creating urgency (limited time!), using celebrities, creating FOMO (fear of missing out), and emotional appeals.

2. What does FOMO stand for and how do advertisers use it?

Answer: Fear Of Missing Out. Advertisers show everyone else having fun with a product to make you feel left out if you do not buy it.

3. How can you think critically about an ad?

Answer: Ask: What are they trying to sell? What trick are they using? Do I actually need this, or does the ad just make me want it? Who benefits if I buy?

4. Give an example of an ad making a want feel like a need.

Answer: A phone company ad showing everyone with the newest model makes the old phone feel inadequate, turning an upgrade from a want into a felt need.

Key Takeaways

Ads are everywhere: TV, social media, billboards, even schools
Tricks advertisers use: urgency, celebrity, FOMO, emotional appeal
When wants feel like needs because of advertising
Thinking critically about ads: asking who benefits

Ready for More?

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Continue to Lesson 3: Opportunity Cost

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