Marketers need to pay more attention to how marketing practices normalize the consumption of products that are known to be harmful to public health and social well-being, University of Otago—Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers argue. A new paper led by Associate Professor Leah Watkins and Professor Rob Aitken, of the Otago Business School, shows how industries such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and ultra-processed food have invested heavily in marketing strategies, including digital and social media channels, that increase the consumption of products associated with disease, addiction, and social harm. These strategies also disproportionately affect disadvantaged consumers and undermine traditional regulatory safeguards.
Research questions legitimacy of promoting harmful products
The Owl Picks
-
Florida sits uncomfortably close to the top of every list nobody wants to lead: states where homes are most likely to harbor or develop mold. Recent analysis from Anderson Air, cross-referencing climate records, housing ages, [...]
-
The Dominican Republic is not just about stunning beaches; it’s full of unique places that reveal the country from a completely different perspective. If you’re staying in Punta Cana, you can easily turn your vacation [...]
-
Active Kinetic 1 technology is revolutionizing technology by providing a sustainable and efficient way to power various devices. This innovative tech harnesses natural sources of movement and transforms it into usable free electricity. How Does Active [...]
-
Back pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to enjoy everyday activities. The good news is, you don’t have to rely solely on medications to find relief. At livingnwell.com, we believe in the power of [...]
-
One highlight of my Grade 3 life was dying from dysentery at the hands of a video game. I was ahead on schoolwork, and allowed to use the classroom computer to pioneer a family across [...]
