Einstein's fear of "technology...surpass[ing] our human interaction" will soon become reality as our trajectory toward an advanced civilization reaches its pinnacle. At this current rate of evolution, we will be feasting on Soylent Green and living in old subway tunnels dreaming of the colourful 'old days' when food came on a paper placemat soaked in enough trans-fats to slick back our hair. Maybe we will reuse that grease to fill the vats where our brains sit and ferment while we plug into our own virtual paradise.
Food advertising spends millions of dollars marketing their product to the masses, but it is having a detrimental effect on children the most. Today's youth consumes an average of 44.5 hours of electronic media per week and the modern day babysitter consists of an LCD and digital cable. Food marketing is not only creating an epidemic but also a deficit as governments try to create programs to fight obesity and provide healthcare to the many people who are fighting things like cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. During a child's developing years, their exposure to food advertising can directly influence their product preferences later in life, and there is nothing more appealing than a happy meal...it even comes with a toy! So how can we put parental controls on marketing? Well, it has already started happening with revolutionary new forms of media consumption, such as Netflix, that do not contain any public advertising. This rising trend in individualism and customization of one's own experience to suit their interests is a refreshing step towards rehabilitation and I think that this is one way children can be re-directed from persuasive subliminal messaging while still enjoying their favourite programs. Whats even more appealing is that there are no commercial breaks, so the viewing experience is unabated and more enjoyable. Of course the alternative of limiting a child's television consumption to a few hours a day followed by outdoor activity works too, but no one likes a dictator. Like in congress, solutions arrive with baby steps. You wouldn't want to pull a hammy now would you?
Food advertising spends millions of dollars marketing their product to the masses, but it is having a detrimental effect on children the most. Today's youth consumes an average of 44.5 hours of electronic media per week and the modern day babysitter consists of an LCD and digital cable. Food marketing is not only creating an epidemic but also a deficit as governments try to create programs to fight obesity and provide healthcare to the many people who are fighting things like cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. During a child's developing years, their exposure to food advertising can directly influence their product preferences later in life, and there is nothing more appealing than a happy meal...it even comes with a toy! So how can we put parental controls on marketing? Well, it has already started happening with revolutionary new forms of media consumption, such as Netflix, that do not contain any public advertising. This rising trend in individualism and customization of one's own experience to suit their interests is a refreshing step towards rehabilitation and I think that this is one way children can be re-directed from persuasive subliminal messaging while still enjoying their favourite programs. Whats even more appealing is that there are no commercial breaks, so the viewing experience is unabated and more enjoyable. Of course the alternative of limiting a child's television consumption to a few hours a day followed by outdoor activity works too, but no one likes a dictator. Like in congress, solutions arrive with baby steps. You wouldn't want to pull a hammy now would you?
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