Use of Strong Emotion in Advertisements

[Mzor203]

Today I was at work, and we always have the radio on in the background, and this ad came up for the BC Children's Hospital. Basically it was like, "Imagine your child, near death, attached to tubes, blah blah blah. Now imagine that some parents don't have to imagine."

And then the inevitable, "Please donate."

This ad strikes directly at most parents' weakest points. It is trying to inspire a very strong emotion inside people to get them to giving them money.

The flip side is, the ad isn't full of B.S. by any means. There are children out there in those hospitals like that.

In any other case, I would be against the use of such means to get people to donate to you. But, I'm unsure about this case. So I'll leave it to you guys. ;)

Debate topic:

"Are ads that attempt to inspire strong emotion within people to either donate or buy their products acceptable in your eyes?"

[INFERNO]

They're quite acceptable to me. Many ads play off of basic human emotions or feelings. It is a great way to hook the person into listening to the ad. However, I prefer the ads to have correct information in them. For the ad you mentioned, I see nothing wrong with it.

[marty]

Yeah, i agree with inferno. Ads are supposed to evoke feelings. And for the thing you mentioned, what better way to get someone to donate than to provoke great emotion in them? As long as the emotions aren't put up with total BS, then it's fine.
Such as in family guy:
"Don't have premarital sex! you wouldn't smother your grandmother in a plastic bag, would you?????""
"no!"

Well, that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea

[Donkey]

If it's "Shop at killagrandmother or your grandmother will die" type thing, where it's useless and just nasty then no.

If it is for a good cause, and people have good reason to be emotional about something they're doing about, I think it's fine.

[orangecounty]

Ad's are meant to appeal to emotion, that is how they grab your attention. Let me ask you, would this ad have stuck with you had it simply said "some kids are in hospitals" and didn't make it at all sensational? I bet not.

I can think of those hungry children infomercials on TV and those Abused Animal commercials...those really break your hearts.

[MoveAlong]

They're quite acceptable to me. Many ads play off of basic human emotions or feelings. It is a great way to hook the person into listening to the ad. However, I prefer the ads to have correct information in them. For the ad you mentioned, I see nothing wrong with it.

I agree.

They're just trying to make money. Some people might be brainwashed, but maybe it's us that need to think, "do I really want to buy this product?", rather than blame it on the advertising.

[Death]

Several adverticements try to do this. Since it's for a good cause and its not being offensive or untruthful in any way, I see no problem with it.

[Sapphire]

Yes, of course they are acceptable.
People are emotional by nature and tapping into those emotions is a very good way of engaging your audience.

[Camazotz]

Although they should make the average customer more interested in donating or purchasing their product, I am turned off by this technique. It feels they are taking advantage of the most sensitive feelings to lightly force you to donate, or you'll feel guilty. I prefer they hold off on this, but it works, so whatever they feel necessary should be used.

[dstnyisurs]

That, madeah, is what advertising is all about.
I don't like advertising, but that is acceptable in a way that it is what ads are all about. Playing off emotions is the best way to get a product because the viewer is able to get in the moment watching the commercial. Buying the product makes more sense to them when they are feeling something pertaining to it.