How are we persuaded by profit-seeking maneuvers to go against our own self-interests or beliefs?

In Tolentino we have numerous instances of how ordinary women are persuaded “…to reproduce[e] the lessons of the marketplace…” on the road to becoming an ideal woman (63). Similarly, Noe uses pop music to demonstrate how fans are convinced to “…crowd into packed arenas…” to promote and sustain their favorite performer (168). Zuboff is able to place this successful persuasion of ourselves into greater perspective when she discusses how big data companies, now at the pinnacle of their money-making enterprises, have convinced us to admire them as “heroic entrepreneurs”, much the same as Noe’s pop stars (342). Because persuasion appears in many of the areas we live and work, the readings would imply that we are vulnerable in our daily lives to such tactics from those who have something to gain. For AE2, consider the following: how are we persuaded by profit-seeking maneuvers to go against our own self-interests or beliefs?

Answer & Explanation

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There are several ways in which profit-seeking maneuvers can persuade people to act against their own self-interests or beliefs:

Manipulative advertising: Companies often use advertising to manipulate people’s emotions and desires, creating a false need for their products or services. These ads may appeal to people’s fears, insecurities, or desires for social status and acceptance.

Social proof: People often look to others for guidance on what to do or think. Companies can exploit this by using social proof to make it seem like their products or services are popular or w

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Step-by-step explanation

idely accepted, even if they are not.

Confirmation bias: People have a tendency to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. Companies can use this by selectively presenting information that supports their products or services, while downplaying or ignoring any negative information.

Incentives and rewards: Companies may offer incentives or rewards for people to act in ways that go against their own self-interests or beliefs. For example, a company may offer a discount or reward for signing up for a service that a person doesn’t really need or want.

Limited choices: Companies may limit people’s choices or make it difficult for them to make informed decisions. For example, a company may hide important information or make it difficult to compare prices or features of different products or services.

Overall, it is important to be aware of these tactics and to make decisions based on our own self-interests and values, rather than being swayed by profit-seeking maneuvers. It is also important to advocate for policies and regulations that protect consumers from these manipulative tactics.

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