[Opinion] Banning Ads

Some people think that there should be a complete ban on all forms of advertising. To what extent do you agree or disagree

It is believed that a complete prohibition on all forms of advertising should be enacted. While I think that some adverts should be prohibited, advertising as a whole should not be removed. 

On the one hand, it is understandable why certain types of advertisement should be banned. Firstly, commercials depicting the use of addictive substances, namely beer or cigarettes, are inappropriate for younger viewers and thus have to be taken down. In Vietnam, it is not uncommon for prime time shows to be followed by beer advertisements since these companies often sponsor the show. While it helps to increase exposure and sales, Vietnamese children who grow up watching these are more likely to consume alcohol later on, which brings adverse effects for their health. Secondly, a number of adverts should be removed as they promote illegal activities like gambling and betting, which can ultimately give rise to society’s vices.

However, advertising as a whole is a vital industry that should not be completely eradicated. By removing all forms of advertising, many companies will be deprived of the ability to promote their new products. Sales of many small businesses would eventually drop and they might be out of business, creating great economic instability and ultimately causing an economic downturn. As well as that, those who work in marketing would lose their jobs, since advertising is an industry accounting for a sizable portion of the economy. This rise in unemployment would ultimately lead to more severe social issues, such as crime and homelessness. 

In conclusion, although a ban on certain types of inappropriate advertisement should be enacted, I strongly believe that a complete eradication of the industry itself would bring negative consequences.