As a frequent media consumer, I have come across many advertisements relating to food, drugs, and alcohol. The health concerns discussed in the textbook shed light on the influence advertisements may have on the health and wellness of children and adolescents especially. There have been many viral anti-smoking ads or often anti-alcohol ads but there are still different avenues found to participate in this behavior such as vaping. The book suggested some solutions to counteract the ads on drugs & alcohol or place higher taxes on those specific items. However, I think much of the advertisements and influence about this topic come from social media. When people are so casually sharing their day to day lives on social media, the appearance of vapes, cigarettes, or alcohol influence these kids into participating in these activities so they can fit in or make a name for themselves. What can be done about this budding issue from social media presences?
This is a really complicated issue! It is interesting to think about how we might limit kids viewing content with alcohol and drugs. I wonder if it really lies on the shoulders of their parents to regulate their media consumption?
ReplyDeleteIt was neat to see this debate from this perspective. There really is no perfect answer and it is difficult, However, I feel with little constant effort on improvement it is possible to make things better.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts! This is an important topic to discuss in my opinion! Though we may not always be able to control the advertisements presenting unhealthy substances, I think that putting effort into educating parents about these issues in health concerns through ads might be the best we can do. :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if a rating system could be developed for advertisements and digital marketing? This might provide an informed consent version of censorship.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that regardless of the warnings on certain products (especially nicotine products) are far less effective than they would be if they weren't also such commonplace in people's day to day life. It is harder to believe the warnings when you know someone personally who uses those products and doesn't seem to have any of the side effects.
ReplyDelete