However, the weight loss advertisement that has always aught my eye is for Hydroxycut. Sure, it's just another commercial, but this one feel different. This one has an actual doctor recommending its use.
Of course, this doesn't make me actually want to use the product, but it made me realize that someone might, just because a doctor is recommending it. The producers of this commercial are using the rhetorical technique of Ethos by featuring a person of a well-respected profession. Viewers are more likely to invest in a product if a person they respect also uses the product.
Just because a well respected person does recommend something, doesn't mean that the product is by any means better. However, it is programmed into the human mind that these spokespeople are trustworthy. But really, that isn't the case at all. Just because a person is paid to sponsor something doesn't mean it is good for you in any way.
To prove that point, here's another product that was "doctor recommended."
Matt, part of me has always been slightly paranoid by the whole "doctor recommended" argument being abused. As such, I always try to avoid purchasing drugs recommended by these unknown doctors (unknown to me, that is.) Guess I'm too paranoid for the ethos argument in this case.
ReplyDeleteIt always cracks me up to see commercials for some sort of medicine, with slow-mo shots of doctors and patients in a clean office, and at the bottom of the screen, "Paid Actors." I've always thought that maybe they should actually include some real doctors, for some assurance that this product is somewhat legit. Nice call -- more people probably would be more likely to buy the product because of this reason.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered how many people get suckered into buying weightloss products because they are "doctor reccommended." I mean, what doctor would reccommend these drugs? There is no way that they can be good for your body to ingest. Maybe those aren't even real doctors on the commercials.
ReplyDeleteEvery single time a doctor suggests something for weightloss you always see so many run to that product. Whenever I see a weight loss commerical I immediately think of dodgeball and the beginning commerical.
ReplyDeleteThe problem here is education. Losing weight is simply a matter of calories in vs. calories out. If a person has a regular physician, they should refer to them for their weight loss concerns. Not some joker on the TV. TV can't replace talking in person.
ReplyDeletePerhaps my favorite is when someone wears a lab coat and states, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV." (As if we can adorn ourselves with ethos by putting on different clothes.)
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