Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood (Trailer)

New products displace older ones continually and this creates a want cycle that can be used to manipulate kids and teens into becoming relentless consumers. The goal is to create perceived obsolescence by continually creating a new "standard" along with the new product in order reinforce it's desirability. The sweet spot for marketing is the 16 to 20-somethings who still use this tween and teen want pattern but have the disposable income to take a run on the hamster wheel.

It is possible to be ethical and market to kids! Its down to the manufacturers to "do the right thing". These are the brands we should be putting pressure on. Unfortunately I think it's impossible to prevent commercialisation of kids unless you turn off the TV, put blinkers on when out of the house and stop them listening to the radio, using the internet or even talking to their friends.
Small steps, getting the right balance and talking to brand owners I believe is the way forward

Welp, I dunno what else you would expect from capitalism. Capitalism and free markets leads exactly to this. Corporatism, advertising, and consumer culture. It's literally the road to fascist communism, where every brand is everywhere. Everything is the same. Everyone wants the same things.

Profit at all cost is counter to the Ideals of Humanity.
If we feed off of each other we destroy the glue that holds us all together.

For the first time in my life, I think I now understand the true meaning of the prayer:

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil...

Its not about hoping God will save you, its about being happy with what you have and not be tempted to always want more.

Like most people in the Western world, I remember the jingles and slogans of hundreds of ads, some as far back as 30+ years ago. They're hardwired into my brain now, and I know them as clearly as I know my multiplication tables. I HATE this - the fact that decades afterwards, my brain is still tainted with ancient ad campaigns. If I ever have children, I will keep them away from advertising and the majority of the mass media at all costs. I will ensure they learn HOW to think, not what to think.

Honestly, how?

Dark future

You're right, none of us should be responsible for our own actions. It's a vicious cycle - and it's true, advertising WOULDN'T be as successful if parents didn't give their kids every single thing they wanted. When kids get everything they want, they turn into entitled, little brats that grow up to be entitled bratty adults who then, unfortunately, reproduce. Only people who are insecure or are incapable of having their own thoughts are that influenced by advertising, anyway.

We do take responsibility for own actions. But we are influenced by advertising. All people are influenced by advertising, secure and insecure.

I don't think the creators of advertising are concerned by some parents not giving their child everything they want, that child will soon grow up and purchase the brand they remember from early days.

So the brand that is remembered is the one that is purchased ensuring the longevity of that brand.

Who created the bratty quality in kids and adults?