Adverts are everywhere: on television, on websites, on the sides of buses, even on the packets in your kitchen cupboard. But have you ever stopped to think about exactly what an advert is trying to do?
What is an advert for?
An advert is a message a business makes to tell people about something it sells, and to make people want to buy it. Businesses pay to make and show adverts because they hope more people will choose their good or service instead of someone else's.
Clever tricks adverts use
| Trick | How it works |
|---|---|
| Bright colours and music | Grabs your attention and feels exciting |
| Famous people | Makes you think 'if they like it, maybe I will too' |
| 'Everyone has one' | Makes you feel left out if you don't have it |
| Big exciting words | Makes an ordinary thing sound amazing |
None of this means adverts are always lying — but they are always trying to persuade you, and it is smart to notice when that is happening.
Want or need? Thinking before you buy
A need is something you cannot really do without, like food, water or shoes. A want is something nice to have, but you could manage fine without it, like a new toy or extra sweets. Before buying something, especially after seeing an exciting advert, it helps to pause and ask a few honest questions.
Sort these into 'Need' or 'Want':
- A warm winter coat
- School shoes that fit
- Healthy food to eat
- The newest toy advertised on television
- An extra bag of sweets
- A third pair of trainers you don't really need