In this case, the advertisement is pretending to be something it isn t with the sole purpose of deceiving the viewer. Many television shows and magazines broadcast or publish deceitful advertisements. I specifically remember this from the days when I used to read Seventeen magazine. Among pages of legitimate product reviews lurked full-page advertisements disguised as reviews. The only mark distinguishing them as such was a disclaimer in very small type at the top.
Advertisements play a vital role in our capitalist society.
They allow consumers to see some of what is available, and they promote competition, which benefits consumers by encouraging lower prices and higher quality standards. Nevertheless, advertisements are still propaganda. It is deceitful and morally inept to disguise them as anything else. Therefore, an advertisement should never be dressed up as trusted, legitimate and objective news media. To do so unfairly prays on the naivet and trust of the consumer.