Marketing and the Science of Persuasion: Does Advertising Promote People's Well-Being?

By: Peter A. Ubel

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Synopsis: We live in a capitalist society that is increasingly bombarding us with advertising. We exist in a world where many of the best psychology and neuroscience graduates are being hired by marketing firms or marketing departments within large corporations. These marketers are becoming increasingly sophisticated at targeting and persuading consumers. Many experts believe that advertising and marketing serve the interests of the general public, providing the information consumers need to make informed purchasing choices. But when are advertisers and marketers promoting our best interests, and when are they exploiting us? This chapter is excerpted from "Free Market Madness: Why Human Nature Is at Odds with Economics--and Why It Matters."