The ANTIDESIGN

Is advertising really harmful? This question may have been up to debate a few decades ago but at this point, it's relatively agreed on that advertising has a very powerful effect on the way we think. As designers, we have an obligation to apply a certain ethic and moral principle to our work. The allure is that advertising is a very lucrative business to be in right now, and there's nothing wrong with marketing, but it's crucial to be aware of the impact that our designs are making on the world.

Ads are everywhere and we may feel like we can tune them out but the fact is, these images are carefully designed to get through to you. No one is above it. The advertisement shown here is for a credit card, something that we all know how to get without being reminded of how easy it is. Credit companies find new ways to try to trick us into debt faster and faster. Most credit card companies have "exclusive" cards for an annual fee, catering to the elite (or those who wish they were 'elite').

What kind of effect do all these loan and credit advertisements have on children? Children are exposed to so many advertisements that it is necessary to consider how ads impact their lives. Designers need to look at ads through a child's eyes as well as their target market because children soak up everything they see like a sponge. How can it be morally ethical to train a child through bombarding them with advertisements that having a credit card makes you elite? or that taking out a loan is a simple thing to do?