How do you think advertising affects people's perception of reality? - IELTS Speaking Part 3

Answer: Advertising can affect people's perception of reality by shaping their beliefs, values, and expectations about products, services, and social norms. Reason: Advertising uses various techniques, such as emotional appeals, celebrity endorsements, humor, or fear-mongering, to grab people's attention, create positive associations, and persuade them to buy products or adopt certain behaviors. By doing so, advertising can create a sense of desire, status, or identity around certain brands, and can influence how people perceive their needs, preferences, and aspirations. Example: For instance, a perfume ad that portrays a glamorous and confident woman may suggest that using the product can make one more attractive and successful, even though the actual scent may have no such effect. Alternative: However, some people may argue that advertising reflects rather than shapes people's perception of reality, and that consumers have agency and critical thinking skills to make informed choices and resist manipulation.