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How do propaganda and advertising sell you on ideas, and how can we defend against buying into them?

Two different lessons in this module introduced you to the terms propaganda and advertising. These words share a common goal: to persuade you into action with a specific pitch or message. In the case of propaganda, this action might involve supporting a war effort or political belief through donating money, conserving resources, or—in the worst of cases—spreading hatred. In advertising, the action involved tends to be the purchase of a specific service or product.

WW1 poster featuring a pit bull. Cloud Ad

Examine the social media post below, which was created by a fictional Instagram “influencer” JukeboxJazzy. After studying the post, respond to the multiple-choice questions below it.

@JukeboxJazzy702 — Hey Jazzhands, I just got these brand new Deets Jammaster headphones and they are FIRE . . . my Imagine Dragons vinyl has never sounded richer or fuller, y’all! I managed to score mine early, but you can pick them up on deets.biz starting tomorrow for only $59.99 with free shipping when you use code STAYJAZZY! You won’t be sorry! #stayjazzy #deets4life #jammaster #audiophile #ad
Young man enjoying music in headphones at studio shot. happy smiling young african woman with headphones is enjoying listens to music
Selling Out

What is this post actually an advertisement for?

an Imagine Dragons record

the website deets.biz


Jammaster headphones


The post is clearly attempting to persuade its audience to purchase Jammaster headphones by a company called Deets.

The post is clearly attempting to persuade its audience to purchase Jammaster headphones by a company called Deets.

The post is clearly attempting to persuade its audience to purchase Jammaster headphones by a company called Deets.

What section of the post MOST STRONGLY reveals that it is an ad?

the phrase “for only $59.99”

the use of the promo code “STAYJAZZY”

the use of the hashtag #ad

Though all of these answers suggest that JukeboxJazzy’s post is an advertisement, the common hashtag “ad” is the closest it comes to admitting it outright.

Though all of these answers suggest that JukeboxJazzy’s post is an advertisement, the common hashtag “ad” is the closest it comes to admitting it outright.

Though all of these answers suggest that JukeboxJazzy’s post is an advertisement, the common hashtag “ad” is the closest it comes to admitting it outright.

What section of the post MOST STRONGLY uses emotional transfer to persuade its audience?

the use of several exclamation points

the image of the smiling model

the use of the phrase “only $59.99”

People tend to mirror the emotional experiences of images they see or content they read—and in this sense, a picture is very powerful.

People tend to mirror the emotional experiences of images they see or content they read—and in this sense, a picture is very powerful.

People tend to mirror the emotional experiences of images they see or content they read—and in this sense, a picture is very powerful.

What section of the post MOST CLOSELY uses a bandwagon technique to persuade its audience?

the reference to the band Imagine Dragons

the use of the phrase “You won’t be sorry”

the use of the term “Jazzhands”

The bandwagon technique in propaganda and advertising is anything that helps audience members feel that they belong to a defined, often preferred group.

The bandwagon technique in propaganda and advertising is anything that helps audience members feel that they belong to a defined, often preferred group.

The bandwagon technique in propaganda and advertising is anything that helps audience members feel that they belong to a defined, often preferred group.

Why would the FTC view JukeboxJazzy’s post as a violation of advertising guidelines?

As an influencer, he is not allowed to advertise on social media in any way.

He did nothing to suggest that he had been compensated for the post.

He did not reveal his sponsorship early enough in his communication.

FTC regulations require paid and sponsored endorsements to be clearly identified as early as possible to avoid manipulation of the consumer.

FTC regulations require paid and sponsored endorsements to be clearly identified as early as possible to avoid manipulation of the consumer.

FTC regulations require paid and sponsored endorsements to be clearly identified as early as possible to avoid manipulation of the consumer.

Why is it important to know whether JukeboxJazzy was paid for this post?

It may help indicate whether or not he had any prior interest in the headphones.


It helps assure the viewers of the headphones’ quality, as paid advertisements must be truthful.

It may have influenced him to give a more positive review of the headphones.


It can be difficult for viewers to interpret JukeboxJazzy’s review as honest and truthful if they are not sure whether or not he has been paid to review it.

It can be difficult for viewers to interpret JukeboxJazzy’s review as honest and truthful if they are not sure whether or not he has been paid to review it.

It can be difficult for viewers to interpret JukeboxJazzy’s review as honest and truthful if they are not sure whether or not he has been paid to review it.

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