My Reflection

I think the best thing I took from this class was learning about what really drives consumer behavior. The fact that we as consumer's are completely irrational in our decision making, can be persuaded without notice, and nudged towards decisions by the wording of an advertisement. I found this really interesting. Throughout your education you are taught how to problem solve, and find rational solutions. But, for some reason we have a hard time making rational consumption decisions when buying a pair of athletic sneakers.

Before this class, I knew I didn't always spend my money as wisely as I could, but I definitely didn't think I was irrational or easily persuaded and manipulated by advertisements. Contrary to my previous belief, I am most definitely irrational. I realized how often I am persuaded by word manipulation and advertisements appealing to emotions. Since I have been in this class I have taken much more thought about my purchasing decisions. When I see advertisements I tend to analyze them and try and figure out its tactics or hidden message. Allowing me to control my emotions and subconscious from pushing me towards an irrational decision.

I now have a far better understanding of what drives and influences consumer behavior. I feel being able to have a good understanding of consumer behavior will benefit me with whatever I do in life!

Willie Nelson "Outsider Heroe"

I have been a big fan of Willie nelson since a young age, he is a country music icon with some of the most popular country songs of all time. He has been recording music for over five decades and during that time he has always stayed true to his personal ideals. Despite the influence of fame and wealth, Willie has always remained himself and unaffected by mainstream pressure. When first becoming famous, Nashville had their own idea on what kind of music they wanted Willie to play. Still trying to make it as an artist,  Willie took no part in conforming to Nashville's conservative style and helped pioneer the sub-genre "Outlaw Country." He went on to have a highly successful career and is still performing today. In a way he created his own kind of "cool" which fans loved him for. He's got his long braided hair, red bandana, and cowboy hat. He has played the same guitar his whole career because nothing else sounds like it, according to him. He is also well known for his financial troubles with the IRS and a activist for the controversial substance, marijuana. But, people seem to love him for all these things because he is 100% comfortable with being himself  and can do it with unique character and style.

Outsider heroes like Willie Nelson or Johnny Cash only come around so often and are able to fascinate people by refusing to conform to the societal guidelines. They tend to gain a lot of support and follower's with their style and confidence and have a major impact on people.

Rituals

After writing the rituals assignment for class, I wanted to compare rituals from all over the world. Since I wrote about my family Christmas ritual, I will start with that, comparing it to the Muslim holiday Ramadan. Christmas, for many is about family, togetherness, gift giving, and the sharing of a feast. Ramadan is 30 days long and is primarily about fasting and prayer. This is far different than the indulging Christmas holiday.

Marriage and weddings are another major ritual in the U.S. Typically you start dating someone, fall in love, ask for their hand in marriage, and hope she has a wealthy father to pay for the traditional, extravagant wedding. The Kreung tribe, located in Cambodia does marriage a lot differently. When a girl reaches her mid teens her parents build a love hut. The girl stays with different boys in the hut each night, until she finds the right one. This would clearly raise red flags if parents did this with their daughters here, but since divorce does not exist in Kreung its important to find the right one.

For some cultures the initiation of a boy becoming a man is a big deal. In the Jewish religion, at 13  boys have their Bar Mitzvah and reads the Torah aloud to become a man. In some southern African tribes boys are taken into the wilderness to fend for themselves for a period of time to learn how to be a man. Then there are the Vanuatu Land divers, who have to bungee jump roughly 70 feet with an aim to hit the ground to prove their toughness and manhood.

I found it very interesting comparing some of our common rituals to other culture's. Different religions, values, and ideals all help form these differences between cultures.

Don't be Fooled by Synthetic Marijuana

Synthetic marijuana, or "spice," is a psychoactive drug that is made by spraying synthetic chemicals on natural plants. The effects are designed to closely resemble the effects of marijuana. However, since the chemicals used are synthesized meaning they are copycat versions of the drug THC, they are legally allowed to sell over the counter at any convenience store or retail outlet. The chemicals or "cannabimimetics" used can be more potent than THC and have more serious implications. The complications of the side effects can be far more drastic than marijuana, resulting in seizures and even death. This alone should be enough of a reason to steer clear. Since it is legal, readily available, cheaper than the real stuff, and most of the chemical's won't show up on a drug test it has become the 'high' of choice by many young adults, especially high school students. Many of these user's have found their way into the emergency room because of this choice.

So why is synthetic marijuana still being consumed in such large amounts? The obvious answer is people are naive, especially the younger population. However, the manufacturers and marketer's are having a huge impact on enticing consumer's to use their products. Manufacturer's of these products have found loop holes in our legal system and use persuasion methods to lure people into using their products. They use chemicals that have not been banned by the FDA and if and when the FDA cracks back they slightly alter the chemicals to meet legal stipulations.This keeps there product legal and on the shelves of convenience stores across the country.

Manufacturer's use names very similar to the names given to marijuana strands at medicinal facilities. Examples of product names include Mr. Smile, K-2, Potpourri, and Gorilla dro po po (I'm not making the last one up). The packaging resembles that of bags marijuana is sold in. The product itself is almost identical to marijuana.

I understand it is a legal alternative, and brands are going to try and resemble the real product as closely as they can. I also don't want you to think that I'm pushing marijuana as a healthy alternative either because I don't think it is. The problem is the product is not natural, and contains harmful chemical, which have dangerous implications that aren't completely known. It is being used by a large amount of people because it looks like marijuana and gives you a similar high for a quarter of the price. Because it is legal and cheap people are persuaded to purchase these products because they feel they are getting the same drug for a significant markdown in cost.

These synthetic brands are basically selling the idea that they offer a nearly identical product, without any negative implications for a lower price. This is persuasion because they are able to manipulate the legal system to portray their product as a safer alternative. Because it is legally sold on the shelves of stores and more affordable consumer's believe they are making the smarter choice. Just like we saw in the special, The persuader's, marketer's are able to persuade and manipulate consumer's purchase habits by altering price, wording, and comparisons to similar products (The Persuader's 2004).

Be careful with synthetic drugs, just because it is legally sold doesn't mean it is good for you!

Here are the links where I found a lot of my information:
http://www.aapcc.org/alerts/synthetic-marijuana/
www.drugs.com

Smart Phones and Mobile Advertising

If you are not one of the rare few like myself, you probably own a smartphone. Smartphones have dominated the market and most feel it is necessary in their daily lives. Although I am holding out as long as I can; I to admit that I will eventually require a smartphone for my daily affairs. Smartphones are probably the most versatile piece of technology ever invented. With about any app you would ever need and then some, online access at your finger tips, and the list goes on. People take them every where they go, and businesses have begun to reap the advantages of consumer's having readily available information.

I found a blog online written by Google Ads (provided below) that discusses how smartphones increase consumer receptivity to advertising.

Here is a link to another blog made by Google Mobile Ads:
http://googlemobileads.blogspot.com/2012/05/smartphones-have-large-impact-on-us.html

The smartphone epidemic is allowing businesses to stay connected with consumers all the time! The use of mobile ads, which can include video ads, web banners, and posters are said to increase consumer receptivity. Because smartphones are used for just about everything, of course consumers are going to be more receptive to theses ads. Mobile ads are highly tailored to the individual, and appear right in front of you on your personal device. So what do you do next, click on it, because your phone is so smart that it knows what you want. Unfortunately, not true marketer's just want your money.

Marketers are going to continue having a field day with advertising through smartphones and I am sure we will continue seeing major advances in mobile ads. They will become more tailored to the individual and intrusive in our lives. I just wonder what will come next!