Fueling violence and Despair

The Toxic Influence of Marketing on Preteens: Fueling Violence and Despair 

By Santiago Cardenas 

As time goes on it is hard to turn a blind eye to the recent surges in school shootings. Leaving the nation on the hunt for answers to this senseless violence. While gun control, social media and mental health are often associated as the contributing factors for this madness. It is hard to leave out the shadow that lurks in the darkness that no one speaks of. What is that shadow that I speak of? It's marketing because it comes in different ways, shapes, and sizes. 

Today's world is filled with "iPad kids”. The constant bombardment of advertisements shapes young minds, fostering a culture of competition, materialism, and aggression. Marketers exploit preteens vulnerability, using tactics like psychological manipulation, data mining, and targeted advertising. This suffocating environment can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and desperation being factors often linked to school violence. 

Marketing emphasis on popularity, beauty, and status. This often creates unrealistic expectations, leading to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and a decline in self-acceptance. And when it's mixed with the pressure of social media, this can create a deadly cocktail of insecurity and anger. Leading up to the unfortunate event, claiming lives and traumatizing the masses. 

By regulating targeted advertising to minors. And integrating media literacy education into school curriculums. Can be the steps taken in the right direction to help prevent school violence, promote healthier development, and foster a compassionate society.