Nowadays, it is common to see advertisements on television or on billboards in the streets. Some people think that advertising boosts the sales of goods and encourages people to buy things they do not necessarily need. This argument contains some truth. In my country, advertising companies often produce advertisements featuring popular actors or singers to induce people, especially youngsters, to acquire goods which their favourite actor or singer seems to endorse, whether they need the products or not.

   On the one hand, on the television screen a product is always made to look attractive and of good quality. As a result, people often purchase such goods upon impulse. Furthermore, as the number of consumers of a particular product increases under the impact of a persistent advertising campaign, others may be drawn into the trend, creating a large market for products which do not satisfy the real needs of society.

   On the other hand, there are various counterarguments to these objections: The decision to make a purchase is a matter of personal choice. Advertising may not be the main cause of consumption habits. Individuals have their own preferences, and if they have enough disposable income it is entirely up to them how they use it. Also, it is doubtful if anyone can have the authority to judge whether goods for sale are really needed by society or not. Finally, as there is always only a limited amount of disposable income for anyone, people try to manage their budgets as best as they can. Advertising can seldom persuade people to spend money that they need for more urgent things, or to spend money that they do not have (for instance, by buying in installments).

   In conclusion, as buyers have their own strong opinions and views on what constitutes good quality and on what they need and do not need, it is better to leave them to make their own decisions. It is difficult to claim that everyone is swayed by advertising and always makes purchases impulsively. However, it is a good idea to put restraints on advertising aimed at children and inexperienced youngsters. Otherwise, they might be persuaded to buy goods that they do not need, or to spend money that they do not have!