I can't shut down my senses, but if I vocally reject the logic of the hawker, I can set that decision in my subconscious mind. It can also benefit others who hear me and who may not be as skeptical. It's also important to shield kids from ads. Agencies bank on the time-tested abilities of youngsters to talk their parents into buying. Children are exposed to tremendous peer pressure to run with the pack - but when parents support differentiation based on ethics, leadership qualities can emerge.
Advertisers study what motivates people.
If I don't want to be manipulated by them, I must analyze what my own needs and motivations are. And the only way to overcome my fears is to face them. Love is also a major motivator for buyers. People who are perfectly willing to do without for themselves will still want to give the very best of everything to their loved ones. Hallmark is a classic example of how advertisers capitalize on generosity - they've invented whole holidays just to market their cards and gifts.