I think we would all agree that the media has impacted us in drastic ways, especially because of the widespread and constant use of technology; however, with this, I believe we are able to avoid advertisements just as cleverly as they are there. For example, TiVo gives us the ability to skip through commercials and just watch the show/movie. Even in the video we saw in class, kids have practically grown immune to the advertisements on the side of the webpage, so companies have turned to making games for the kids so they can advertise to them via the games they play, but who is to say we haven't already grown immune to that as well? Also, in the video, there was such an extreme amount of complaining regarding companies targeting kids using their favorite cartoon characters. But was this video suggesting the kids no longer watch their favorite shows? It is only reasonable that a child would want some toy/backpack/food associated with their favorite show; this isn't something to complain about. In my opinion, what the true problem is, is how new technological advancements are being targeted toward children. It sickens me that I see kids in 3rd grade listening to iPods and they are bullied if they don't have one. Also, if a kid asks for a toy, this doesn't put such an economic burdon on the parents; however, if this same kid asks for a phone, then the parents are put in a very uncomfortable and unfair situation.
Overall, advertising tv characters isn't a huge deal, but advertising unnecessary things to children is a situation that needs to be observed with more scrutiny.
No comments:
Post a Comment