MAKING SENSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA – Post 2

An example of social media in which I find to be quite challenging would be a form of product placement that encourages individuals to make purchases due to feelings of inadequacy. Marketing that exploits insecurity for profit is not an unfamiliar notion, however, I would like to research this further. What are the ethical considerations of preying upon the vulnerable, if any? Individuals tend to turn to excess and overcompensation when doubtful and brands utilise this self-doubt to their avail. An example of this is Kim Kardashian, a prominent figure on social media urging followers to purchase appetite suppressants, a product of Flat Tummy Co. (Link embedded here). 

Despite the multitude of research against such products, not only do eminent social media ‘stars’ continue to promote these brands, however, these brands continue to turn a profit off of the insecurities and belief of false inadequacies by consumers. Upon further research, I would like to better understand this methodology as it seems to be quite prominent within social media marketing. I consider this notion to be quite challenging as it relies upon the fragility and vulnerability of society to prosper.