The Lack Of Truth In Cigarette Ads

In the early times of product commercials, influential media channels such as newspapers and TV promoted use of dangerous products such as tobacco. While in most of these cases the dangerous health implications associated with using such products had not been established, companies engaging in such commercials in present times are simply turning a blind eye to established scientific research and findings which makes it unethical. However, despite reaping big in sales from the unethical ads, these companies have had to deal with some of the consequences in form of fines and lawsuits for portraying the products for what they are not. In light of these consequences, cigarette manufacturing companies through government enforcements have become keener on telling the truth and making their customers fully aware of the possible side effects associated with cigarette smoking. Tobacco is known to have long term harmful effects to those who smoke cigarettes either actively or as passive smokers. Governments across the world have been keen on regulating its use by reducing or completely banning its advertisement which in most cases carried dubious, misleading messages. The manufacturers have also been forced to display warning messages both written and photographic on cigarette packs. In some countries however, cigarettes are still actively promoted through commercials and consumers, a good number we might say, are consuming these products with little or no knowledge of their adverse effects. While concealing this crucial information seems like the most obvious thing cigarette manufacturers would do to ensure customers continue buying their products, the exact opposite seems to be happening.

Deep in the technological wave, lies the power of accessing information. This means that consumers do not necessarily rely on manufacturers to learn about cigarette effects. The information can be accessed anywhere at the click of a button. Consumers in the current market space are not exactly as naive as they were decades ago and will not always believe every single thing in an advert. As a matter of fact, concealing information from them might impact the company negatively especially in scenarios where the information obtained from other sources which in most cases always turns out to be true does not tally with what is communicated in the adverts. It is in the nature of every consumer regardless of what products are involved to express skepticism if the adverts are overly positive.

This obviously calls for cigarette manufacturers to embrace both the good and bad that comes with their products. Honesty works better in these situations. When immediate and future risks involved in smoking cigarettes is clearly stated, it does not only save the company from future possible liabilities but also raises its credibility among consumers. For instance, if cigarettes are displayed as refreshing energizers, the advert will be taken with skepticism which may in turn make the advert less impactful as it had been intended to be. However, if the cigarettes are marketed while cautioning users on the possible harmful effects especially if consumed in excess, the information will more likely be taken with deeper credibility. Whether a product is harmful or not will always attract divided opinion. However, with scientific research and documented findings that can and have been proven with over time, the opinion on cigarettes has been successfully singled out. It is therefore the responsibility of these companies to caution current and potential consumer especially young people on the inevitable harmful effects to avoid future liability disputes.

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