Explore the influence of brands and marketing on preferences and purchasing decisions. Learn about the power of perception and how it can be shaped through examples like dog food and wine taste. Discover how brands create mental models using association design. Understand the impact of unexpected pleasure on consumer behavior. Dive into the unethical exchange of value through monetizing user attention on social media.
Brands shape consumer preferences and purchasing decisions through mental models built through marketing strategies.
Marketers use unpredictability in advertising and brand experiences to create anticipation and pleasure, but consumers should be cautious about falling into the trap of constant consumerism.
Deep dives
The Power of Mental Models and Branding
Brands like Nike and Coca-Cola create mental models that shape consumer preferences and purchasing decisions. These mental models are shaped by associations and perceptions built through marketing strategies. For example, Nike associates itself with sports and victory, while Under Armour positions itself as the brand for underdogs. Mental models can have real-world impacts, such as influencing how high someone jumps or how far they hit a golf ball. Additionally, mental models can be easily influenced by aesthetic and visual presentations, as shown in studies comparing dog food and expensive patte.
Unpredictability and Pleasure in Marketing
The anticipation of pleasure is a motivating emotion for humans, but our pleasure response is highest when the pleasure is unexpected. Marketers use this by creating unpredictability in their advertising and brand experiences. This can range from unexpected gifts or surprises to subliminal messaging and product placements. Companies like Apple and FIFA tap into the concept of the hedonic treadmill, where people continuously seek new experiences or products to maintain a level of pleasure. However, consumers should be cautious about falling into the trap of constantly pursuing happiness through consumerism.
Ethical Considerations in Marketing and Tech
While marketing techniques can be powerful and effective, there are ethical concerns when it comes to how they are used and their impact on consumers. Technology companies, in particular, have been criticized for exploiting consumer behavior and attention for profit. Companies monetize attention and data, often without consumers fully realizing the value being extracted from them. Subliminal messaging may be banned, but midliminal advertising, which hides in plain sight, continues to shape consumer behavior. It is essential for consumers to be aware of the value exchange and recognize when marketing tactics cross into unethical territory.
Would you be able to tell the difference between a bargain bin red and a top drop? Or how about what separates a duck paté … from one made of dog food?
Perception is everything when it comes to marketing, and decades of neuroscience and psychology research have given businesses ever greater insights into how we can make decisions and how they can subtly shape our expectations so that yes – even dog food paté can become appealing.
But the ramifications of this power may be pushing companies into unethical territory.
First broadcast on 22 August 2021.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode