The Allure of the Habit: How Entertainment Shapes Consumer Behavior

Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

As a business owner, you understand the power of advertising. You see a TV commercial and instantly analyze how it captures attention and compels viewers to buy. Often, these ads aim to create a habit — a subconscious nudge towards your product ingrained through repetition and association.

I’m acutely aware of the power of media. Ads are meticulously crafted to grab attention and create habits.

Here’s a breakdown of your observations and how they can be seen through a business lens:

• Habitual Consumption: You’re right; commercials often target the formation of habits. They create positive associations with a product, making it the “go-to” choice when a need arises. This strategy isn’t limited to TV; social media influencers use similar tactics, subtly promoting products within their content.
• Media’s Role in Shaping Choices: Your experience in a tough neighborhood highlights the profound impact media can have. Music with violent lyrics or TV shows glorifying gang culture can normalize aggression, influencing viewers’ actions. Social media, too, plays a role. Carefully curated feeds filled with unrealistic portrayals of success can breed discontent and a desire for instant gratification, leading to impulsive decisions.