Ethical Debates

Advertising, which aims to influence the thinking and behavior of consumers around the world, is a multibillion-dollar industry. People are exposed to many different forms of advertising every day, including TV and radio commercials, newspaper and magazine ads, posters and billboards, direct mail, and Internet ads. Readers learn how advertising works, including common techniques and approaches, and explore the debate about advertising''s effects on society. Real-life case studies, fact boxes, and opinion panels highlight some of the most heated issues in the debate. These include questions about truth in advertising, promoting stereotypes, advertising to children, and collecting information about people''s tastes, habits, and interests online.