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. I would rather he had been home more often.