Advertising and Social Responsibility, Utilitarian Ethical Theory Free Essay Example, 2750 words

According to the Bureau Consumers Protection, all product advertisements in the US must be truthful, not deceptive and fair. Additionally, advertisers are required to have evidence that supports the claims that they make. In this way, the consumers will have confidence while contacting the organizations or while using the products being advertised. According to FTC, deceitful statements are the ones that are likely to mislead the consumers who under normal circumstances act reasonably (MacLean and Joseph, 2007). Unfair advertisements as indicated by the FTC are the ones that are in a position to cause substantial and unavoidable injury. Different states have diversified views on their advertisement for services and products. Their challenge is creating a balance between personal responsibilities on the society and regulating what the citizens are allowed to involve in (O'Guinn et al, 2008). For example, the US has strict regulations on various advertising issues while still entirely prohibits others. For instance, the law only permits cigarette advertisements on specified media that does not include radio and television while alcohol advertisements are permitted in all media. In order to ensure that they act ethically as the advertisers, it is essential for companies to have a good look at the nature of their product line (O'Guinn et al, 2008). We will write a custom essay sample on Advertising and Social Responsibility, Utilitarian Ethical Theory or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now It is vital to note that television advertisements for various types of fast food are entirely legal and appropriate in creating demand. However, in the contemporary medical world, doctors have embarked on portraying the fast foods as major causes of continued obesity globally. Another ethical challenge that is experienced during product advertising is maintaining the values that the society believes in. Organizations and advertisers, in general, have a range of less than ethical but legal avenues that they can use. These include subliminal advertising, emotional appeals, utilizing the less educated persons, use of propaganda among others that ethical advertisers continuously hesitate to use (Mick, 1986).