One of seven major types of appeals in most of the advertisements is:
(A) Environment
(B) Fear
(C) Irrationality
(D) Submissiveness
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Fear plays a significant role in advertising. Advertisers use it as an emotional appeal to motivate consumers to take action. For example, a commercial might show a scenario where a person faces a negative consequence, such as a health problem or a security threat, to stir feelings of fear. By doing so, the advertisement encourages the audience to act, often by purchasing a product or service that promises protection or safety.
In many cases, fear appeals are common in industries like health care, insurance, and home security. For instance, an ad promoting a health insurance plan may highlight the potential risks of not being covered. Similarly, an advertisement for a security system might depict a break-in to encourage people to invest in safety measures.
Although fear appeals can be effective, they require careful balance. If advertisers exaggerate the threat too much, they might cause the audience to feel overwhelmed or manipulated. Therefore, the ad must present a solution alongside the fear. For example, after showcasing a fearful situation, the ad would introduce the product as a way to alleviate the concern.
Fear can be a useful tool in advertising, but it must be applied strategically to ensure it doesn’t backfire and negatively affect the brand.