After seeing advertisements for a new motorcycle, Ravi feels unhappy with his old bicycle. Critics of advertising point to such cases. Which reply of the supporters of advertising fits this objection?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Buyers may be motivated to work harder to be able to purchase the new products.
Option (1) Buyers can clear their confusion by analysing the information given in advertisements. — Incorrect. This is the reply to the objection that advertising confuses the buyers. Buyers can study the facts in ads and then decide.
Option (2) The desired level of quality depends on the economic status and preferences of buyers. — Incorrect. This is the reply to the objection that advertising encourages sale of inferior products. Quality is relative and depends on what buyers can afford.
Option (3) A firm that makes a false claim about the quality of its product can be prosecuted. — Incorrect. This is also part of the reply on inferior products: a firm making a false claim about quality can be prosecuted.
Option (4) Buyers may be motivated to work harder to be able to purchase the new products. — Correct. Ravi feels unhappy with what he has. This is the objection that advertising undermines social values and breeds discontent. Supporters reply that ads inform people about better products, and people may work harder to be able to buy them.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “2. Undermines Social Values: Another important criticism of advertising is that it undermines social values and promotes materialism. It breeds discontent among people as they come to know about new products and feel dissatisfied with their present state of affairs. Some advertisements show new life styles, which don’t find social approval. This criticism is not entirely true. Advertisement in fact helps buyers by informing them about the new products, which may be improvement over the existing products. If the buyers are not informed about these products, they may be using inefficient products. Further, the job of an advertisement is to inform. The final choice to buy or not to buy anyway rests with the buyers. They will buy if the advertised product satisfies some of their needs. They may be motivated to work harder to be able to purchase these products.” |