Yep. You heard the kiddies; popular characters on their cereal boxes make the cereal taste better. An article from ABC news posted March 8th discussed results from a study where children were given identical types of cereal either named "sugar bits" or "healthy bits" and either featured a well known cartoon character or no character at all. Although the kids seemed to prefer the cereal if Shrek was on the box, they did prefer the cereal named healthy bits over cereal bits. The author notes that although kids understand that eating something "healthy" is better than eating something "sugary", their line of reasoning is completely suspended when SpongeBob is telling them to eat it. This article uses mostly logical proof by showing the results of the study. Intrinsic proof is used when the author analyzes some of the possible causes for why the study went the way it went. This article confirms what we already know; advertising is more subversive than we care to admit.
This has placebo effect written all over it. It is really interesting how when we think something is better for us, it tastes bette, even though they are identical. Also, recognizable characters on cereal make it more "fun" and inviting. I find it really interesting that kids actually think the cereal tastes better. This is how the marketers get you- they make you believe thier stuff is better because the packaging looks better. Advertisers are so tricky...
ReplyDeleteThis goes to show how advertising changes everything. They are clearly the same the only difference is one has Shrek on it. But lets be open minded here they are just kids.
ReplyDeleteI found it really interesting that the kids knew eating something that said "healthy" rather then "sugary" was better for them. And yet, when their favorite characters became involved, that logic went out the window.
ReplyDeleteAdvertising has become something that controls us. This is proof.
I completely agree that advertising is the reason I buy most things. If there is a certain way that an advertiser presents something to me, be it food, clothing, or other random things, I am more likely to buy it than what I would a comptetitors item.
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