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Brainwashing Techniques in TV Commercials

TV commercials, like most advertising, are more than simple statements of facts. Sophisticated psychological techniques are used to persuade, cajole and seduce the viewer. Pay close attention to the commercials next time you watch TV.
  1. Confusion

    • Some TV ads present you with a jumble of strange images. This overloads your thinking and makes you easier to persuade.

    Repetition

    • Repeating a product name or catchphrase is a classic advertising technique. Like pounding in a nail, repetition drives the message home. How many times have you seen the same ad repeated in a few hours?

    Association

    • Ads will show the images of a product with things the seller wants you to think of when you think of the product. A car shown with a tiger suggests the car is fast and powerful.

    Trust

    • Ads will show clowns, puppies and children to say, in effect, "this will not hurt you." Or they might show bank vaults or mountains to say, "this is solid and reliable."

    Sex Sells

    • It's hard to ignore sexy women and men when they pitch something on TV. And boy-meets-girl ads say, in effect, "this will get you a partner."

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