Does efficient mean effective? Alex Murrell makes the case that efficiency in advertising is overrated and that mass media can still hold its own in advertising. Touted as “wasteful” because it’s ignored, mass media is put forth as more persuasive precisely because it’s ignored. Why? Because our brains are engaged elsewhere, we don’t even bother creating counterarguments against ads; they’re perceived more as a nuisance than a threat, so our cognitive defences aren’t triggered. So despite being ignored, many ads worm themselves into our long-term memories. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
