45 Ways Advertising Is Absolutely Rotting Our Brains
![45 Ways Advertising Is Absolutely Rotting Our Brains](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/8/9/831189_320x180.jpg)
Advertisers are always pulling tricks on our brains to get us to pay attention to them — and the worst part is, it generally works. Ads are melting our brains in all sorts of devious ways. Somehow we’ve been tricked into believing we need to get soap all up inside our most precious crevices. We’ve been told countless times that the best way to care for our hair and skin is to repeatedly strip it of its horrid natural oils. We’ve even been convinced that slurping down cow juice is somehow necessary to the upkeep of our internal organs.
Not to mention, the lying earworms and other trickery we’re constantly subjected to. We’re talking targeted ads for products we’ve already bought, burgers so big, they’re guaranteed to smear barbecue sauce all over your face, and statistics that tell us astoundingly little about the product. We’re looking at you, panel of 10 dentists who can never quite agree unanimously on the best brand of toothpaste.
![In commercials, Nutella nutella claimed itself to be a healthy breakfast snack for kids. Turns out it's mostly made of sugar and palm oil. They were even sued by a mother for false advertising, describing Nutella WIN as the next best HOCOLATE WOMEN'S ACTORY thing to a candy ONKA® Butty bar. NET WT 100g Crunch Surprise CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/8/6/831186.jpg)
![As the vagina is self-cleaning, you don't actually need a special soap to clean it. Femina For women Fanina CTS EUE adidas - Classic of all ages becom Liquid Soap EMPIRES For Intimate External Vaginal Cleansing Watages Femina СТА Classic Liquid Soan Emr sion Femina - where - Classic The myth was started by the (in)famous Lysol ads and has been perpetuated by many companies selling vaginal soaps. Doctors' recommendation for a clean vagina is a gentle wash using non-perfumed soap on the outside; you don't actually need special soap and no cleaning product of any kind should be used](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/8/5/831185.jpg)
![GRACKED.COM Milk does a body good The US Department of Agriculture advertised that adults should drink three cups of milk a day, mostly for calcium and vitamin D. WRONG Multiple studies show that there isn't an association between drinking more milk and having fewer bone fractures. Further studies showed that it may cause more damage than good.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/8/3/831183.jpg)
![Shampoo ads showcase majestic locks that convince people they should wash CRACKED CON their hair every day. What those ads don't tell you is that shampooing too much can damage your hair and encourage it to produce even more oil.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/8/2/831182.jpg)
![CRACKED.COM In ads, using product on hair tips is enough to style your 'do. But using it on roots gives you much more control over how your hair lays.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/8/4/831184.jpg)
![You probably have been spraying your perfume in the wrong place! New studies have shown spraying on your wrists or neck is not very effective for holding the scent. Spraying your favorite perfume on your hair or shirt collar will make the aroma last longer and others will be able to catch the scent easier! GRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/8/1/831181.jpg)
![CRACKED COM According to the ads, after intense exercise there's nothing better than a refreshing light beer. BUD LIVE LIFE TO THE ULTRA LIGHT USA! USA! USA! THE SUPERIOR America's Tenne America' Beer LIGHT BEER a LT R TOTAL ... CINY BY the IN BUD LIGHT مملكة سم ULTRA - - - كل - SERVICE LANCE ARMSTRONG BRING THE BEST EVERY GAME SMOOSE GREAT TABTE DEL - from عربية the - Coors Lite® LIGHT life THE - - - - - - In fact, drinking alcohol after exercise can hinder rehydration, muscle repair, restorative sleep, and the absorption of nutrients.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/8/0/831180.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![Commercials boast about a shampoo's rich lather, but froth doesn't matter. Shampoo doesn't have to make bubbles to clean hair. Manufacturers add foaming agents, thus perpetuating the myth of how washing our hair should look. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/9/831179.jpg)
![CRACKED COM Ads often show men shaving their faces fully clothed, and completely dry. This is not the ideal way to get the best shave. The best time to shave is immediately after a shower, or even in the shower. The heat and moisture soften your beard, making it easier to cut and minimizing nicks and irritation.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/8/831178.jpg)
![EXTREME MARKETING makes you think caffeine- based energy drinks pack a powerful punch. But a 8.4 oz can of Red Bull contains only 80 mg of caffeine (9.5 mg/oz). Whereas, a 12 oz. drip coffee at laid-back Starbucks has 260 mg (21.7 mg/oz). MEET ME at STARBUCKS CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/7/831177.jpg)
![GRACKED.COM F ERS AUSTRALIAN FOR BEER ER'S CAN BREWERES FOR NORTH TX KNOWMOORLIMIT ure Advertising depicts Foster's as a beer that's popular in Australia and intrinsically Australian. Not only is it seldom drunk in Australia but it was created by two Americans.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/3/831173.jpg)
![Ads for protein shakes often mislead you into thinking that you will magically gain muscle strength by consuming their products. While protein shakes are a convenient supplement to make up for your lack of protein, they do nothing to improve your performance at the gym. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/4/831174.jpg)
![love at first touch Pampers swadulers Choice #1 of Hospitals What your baby in the most trusted comfort and protection of Pampers Swaddlers, the only diacer Pampers lovesleepSplay musted 11 DE the ит Choice of Hospitals. - العربي - TV made me believe for years that newborns look like grown babies instead of small rat-monkeys. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/8/831168.jpg)
![ABSURD CHARACTERS CAN BE AMUSING, BUT I'LL BE DAMNED IF I CAN EVER EVEN REMEMBER WHAT THEY WERE TRYING TO SELL ME. Hmm. I'm going to say detergent, shampoo, and ... diapers? No?? CRACKED.COM SOMETHING WITH SUGAR](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/0/831170.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![CRACKED.COM Hefty - adidas TUMS ANTAÇÃO HEFTY, HEFTY, HEFTY! Arrorded ПОЗРЗАКА TUM, TUM, State Farm TUM, TUM, TUUUUUMS LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR... Nationwide IS ON YOUR SIDE. Why do adult-oriented companies insist on using cutesy jingles best suited for either the 1950s or children?](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/1/831171.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![USING A PERFECT YOUNG MODEL TO SELL ANTI-AGING CREAM, DOES NOT CONVINCE ME YOUR PRODUCT WORKS. THIS MODEL HAS NEVER HAD A SINGLE WRINKLE IN HER ENTIRE LIFE! GRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/6/831176.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![CRACKED COM . NEXT A THE IRON THE ONLY TITLE THAT MATTERS. CHEF SUPER CHEFS 9n food SUNDAY 2 Why do COOKING SHOWS keep marketing themselves with KNIVES like WOLVERINE is hosting them? To dine for. Tonight 8PM FOX 2 MITOUEN MICHTMARES Just show us the FOOD. TOP CHEF](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/7/2/831172.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![CRACKED.COM WHEN I GO OUT BFOR A CHICKEN MEAL...'S PAMOUS D SKNLESS FRIED CHICKEN HOG PIT BAR Chick D FATCOW BBQ FLUCK-U POLLO I WANT ... THE LAST TO SEE IS A CUTE A CARTOON DEPICTION OF CATERING THE ANIMAL I'M ABOUT TO EAT.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/9/831169.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![CRACKED.COM Why do brands use bland, fortune cookie-type hashtags? #DontCrackUnderPressure #FOLLOWYOURSPIRIT Why don't they use the product's name instead? Using those phrases to talk about products doesn't feel natural for anyone - plus, using the name would lead to more exposure.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/6/831166.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![Why THE HELL do advertisers think that looking at PERFECT BODIES will make me want to buy their clothes? It just ANNOYS ME and the other 98.8% of humankind that don't look like they came down from MOUNT OLYMPUS. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/7/831167.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![Guys, you don't have to call it those days... Stayfree MAXI ...we all know what a period is. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/5/831165.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![GRACKED.COM SMELL LIKE A MAN, MAN. Old Spice j'adore Dior WHY DO ALL PERFUME ADS HAVE TO LOOK LIKE A PSYCHEDELIC TRIP??? Purr by Katy Perry - New AV ACQUA diGOlA The new esence of joy Earn My siffection ACQUA diGOA gaz WHY](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/4/831164.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![GRACKED.COM SOME THEN PRODUCT ...For Him ...For Her NOW ASSIGNING GENDERS TO NEUTRAL PRODUCTS IS UNNECESSARY AT BEST & OFFENSIVE AT WORST.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/3/831163.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![45 Ways Advertising Is Absolutely Rotting Our Brains](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/2/831162.gif)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![Why are you telling me I BANDWAGON PRODUCT ought to be the same as everyone else? Others buying your product doesn't make me want it more. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/1/831161.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![I have never understood why companies hijack social movements to push their products. They seem to do it to try to appear relevant, but it actually makes them look like they are completely out of touch. GRAGKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/6/0/831160.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![- - - - we Ask your MODES lobs have - MARA doctor if WITH - - our drug ESTENS 2015 10 is right - Issues for you. My doctor already knows about your drug and is doing what's best for me. Your commercial is a GRAGKED.COM waste of time.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/9/831159.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![CRACKED.COM The first thing anyone should know about this is it's Gluten food that free PENNE Unless you have celiac disease, this is meaningless. Why is it so often printed at such huge size to make sure it's the first thing you see? PASTA DIETETI 50ge SENZA GLUTIN SENZA LAT SENZA UO' RVING SUGGESTION SOLO 2% DI GRAS GGERIMENTO DI PREPARAZIONE](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/8/831158.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![Unless your business is modeling, I don't understand the advertising practice of putting over-sized photos of yourself on buildings, billboards, and buses. NEED REAL ESTATE? I NEED YOU AS A CLIENT!!! SHELLEY LEVENE 555-REAL GLENGARRY HIGHLANDS GLEN ROSS FARMS CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/7/831157.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![GRACKED.COM Young rail thin women advertising shapewear I somehow think they are missing (and pissing off) their target audience here.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/4/9/831149.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![COMPLETELY ANNOYING ME HEADON Apply directly to forehead Apply directly ADON to forehead HEADON HEAD ON Apply directly to forehead Apply directly to forehead WILL NOT MAKE ME WANT TO BUY YOUR PRODUCT! CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/6/831156.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![GRACKED.COM I never got why companies think we don't see through their + + + 10 OF OUT 9 DENTISTS RECOMMEND... + nonsensical statistics in ads.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/4/7/831147.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![DUDE! Why are you SCREAMING at ME? TV Y FIA ALL D Sea Anything TTY EE i MIGHTY Birth Mind OX ALB Academy Anythings Easy As L23 aqaacco EAN TILE / 1-eat STAIN REMOVER FREE 3LB(1 That does not make me want to buy your shit! CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/4/6/831146.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![I started taking Pill X two months ago, and now I can deflect bullets with my arms! -Susan from Texas- Testimonials serve no purpose if there is no way to substantiate the claims made by these 'consumers'. GRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/3/831153.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![Very few people in the real world want to be part of a FOCUS GROUP. So why would anyone choose a car based on a PRETEND focus group? Plus, ads like these portray a bunch of suckers getting swindled by a smooth-talking salesman into buying a car they really didn't want. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/4/4/831144.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![CRACKED.COM COMMERCIALS THAT CLAIM YOU'LL GET A DISCOUNT OR BONUS BUT ONLY IF YOU V6 CALL IN THE NEXT HOUR (EVEN THOUGH THE AD IS ON ALL THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND THAT CLAIM IS COMPLETELY MEANINGLESS) VISA 1-800-BULLS#!$ MasterCast DISCOVER AMERICAN NETWORK](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/4/3/831143.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![GRACKED.COM SPYRIM MOBILE Mobile game companies that advertise their games with gameplay videos from other games are basically asking to be sued.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/5/831155.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![Targeted advertising will keep trying to sell you more... 1500ECOOO Molded KOHLER K-4616-0 Cachet Mayfair NextStep Adult Todos Bomis 400TTA000 Economy American Standard Wood Elongated Tollet... Quiet-Close - Seat ... Molded Wood Round... 5525.010.020 Champion Kohler Kahlar FRED 2,602 a E 210 - 1,509 402 $19.58 sprime $11.51 sprime $14.15 sprime $54.98 sprime $39.25 sprime Top rated of the stuff you only need to buy once every few years. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/2/831152.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![CRACKED COM YOU SHOULDN'T NEED TO SHOW PEOPLE GOING OUT OF THEIR WAY TO FAIL AT BASIC TASKS TO EFFECTIVELY SELL YOUR PRODUCT.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/4/831154.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![GRACKED.COM I actually prefer food that DOESN'T get all over the place to be in my face.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/1/831151.jpg)
Source: 27 Idiotic Advertising Techniques That Need To Go Away
![Ads show toothpaste all over toothbrushes, but the healthiest amount is pea-sized. More than that makes your mouth foam, uses up the tube faster, and damages enamel over time. CRACKED.COM](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/5/0/831150.jpg)
![You may CRACKED.COM think Diet Coke is a healthy alternative but diet soft drinks have not been found to help with weight loss and the acidity of artificial sweeteners could do serious damage to your teeth. Coke LITERS](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/4/8/831148.jpg)
![As a kid, anti-drug advertising made me believe drug dealers would push drugs for free to hook me in. PUBLIC SCHOO CRACKED.COM So far, I've never had the chance to just say no.](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/4/5/831145.jpg)
![45 Ways Advertising Is Absolutely Rotting Our Brains](https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/imageset/1/4/2/831142.gif)