Misleading Advertising Research Articles

A RESPONSABILIDADE CIVIL DOS INFLUENCIADORES DIGITAIS PELOS PRODUTOS E SERVIÇOS DIVULGADOS NAS REDES SOCIAIS

The study addresses the civil liability of digital influencers for the products and services promoted on social media, focusing on the possibility of holding these agents accountable for damages caused to consumers. The research’s main objective is to provide a doctrinal and case-based analysis of the influencers’ role in digital media to understand their legal limits and obligations arising from product and service promotion. A bibliographical, qualitative methodology was applied, using the deductive method through doctrinal texts, court decisions, and academic articles discussing the topic. The results revealed the need for clearer regulation concerning the civil liability of influencers, particularly regarding misleading or abusive advertising. The study concludes that the activity of digital influencers must be based on transparency and compliance with consumer protection laws, and that more detailed guidelines for digital marketing are needed. Furthermore, the research shows that Brazilian courts have begun to deal with lawsuits involving influencers, with a tendency to hold both influencers and sponsoring companies jointly liable for the damages caused. This study contributes to a better understanding of the legal complexities surrounding the role of digital influencers and reinforces the importance of ethical and responsible conduct in the digital environment.

Interconnected influence: Unraveling purdue pharmaceutical's role in the global response to the opioid crisis

BackgroundThe global pharmaceutical industry has a long history of prioritizing profits over public health through widespread practices such as price gouging, deceptive marketing, and fraud. A prominent example of this issue is the mislabeling and mass-marketing of OxyContin by Purdue Pharmaceuticals (Purdue) that catalyzed the opioid crises in and beyond the United States. MethodsGuided by Actor-Network Theory, this case study employs Visual Network Analysis to map the actors-networks involved in responding to the harms caused by Purdue. Data was generated from peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 2007 and 2022 (n = 40) and imported into Gephi visualization software where centrality metrics were applied. ResultsA total of 39 actors and 99 relationships were visualized based on the relational thinking that actors who are heavily interconnected with others are rendered important. Centrality measures identified the socio-technical centrality of Purdue in influencing the response to the harms it caused. Purdue exerted influence through various avenues, most prominently through the creation and cooptation of pain advocacy groups, their close ties with United States elected officials, and through embedding pro-opioid messaging in international guidance documents. In doing so, Purdue was able to extend the reach and impact of their opioid promotion, while simultaneously limiting the capacity of regulatory bodies to pursue accountability and implement policies to mitigate opioid-related harms. ConclusionThis study advances understandings of the complex interplay between transnational pharmaceutical companies, global health systems, regulatory bodies, and public health. In doing so, we underscore the need for stronger regulation and increased transparency surrounding the interactions between pharma, patient groups, governments, and international organizations to better address and prevent future harms.

Perceived Greenwashing and Its Impact on the Green Image of Brands

In contemporary society, the growing attention paid to environmental protection and sustainable development has led to an increasing demand for green products. To meet this demand, companies have widely adopt green marketing strategies aimed at attracting consumers through environmental attributes. However, the phenomenon of “greenwashing”, where companies exaggerate or mislead the public about their environmental actions, undermines consumer trust and damages brand reputation. This study explores the impact of brands’ green marketing strategies on consumers’ perception of greenwashing and green brand image through in-depth interviews and surveys. Initially, four key dimensions of brand green marketing were identified through interviews with 40 experts and industry stakeholders: products and services, communication, relationships and interaction, and commitment and values. Subsequently, data from 325 valid survey responses were collected online, and the hypotheses were tested using factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results indicate that communication, relationships and interaction, and commitment and values effectively reduce greenwashing perception and, through this mediation, influence green brand image. This finding underscores the importance of brands avoiding false advertising in green marketing and ensuring the authenticity of their environmental information to maintain and enhance their green image.

The Impact Of Customer Empowerment On Reducing Marketing Deception: A Field Study For Several Iraqi Contracting Companies

Purpose: This paper attempts to analyze and discuss the impact of Customer Empowerment (CE) in reducing marketing deceptive practices carried out by companies. Theoretical framework: The literature related to the research topic did not describe of the application of CE in the workplace, as it is a recent variable and is still in the development stage. The scale (Abdel-Bari & Ashry, 2023) was adopted to measure the CE questionnaire, in addition to the scale (Gaber et al., 2018) to measure Marketing Deception (MD). Methodology: Field research was used to understand the practice of CE and identify scams. Six companies specialized in the field of contracting were selected. The research sample consisted of (152) employees. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and hypotheses were tested using the statistical program (SPSS). Results: There is a positive impact of empowering customers in reducing deceptive marketing practices. Research, practical and social implications: Provide a detailed description of the means that can achieve CE and reduce MD. Also, we Provides a practical approach to researching CE and suggests that future research should include business cases as a means of achieving this and provide justification for the importance of implementing CE practices. Originality/value: This paper is among the few to address CE with MD and emphasizes that CE must be an organization-wide goal and requires a long-term commitment to eliminate MD.

Navigating the online food environment: policy pathways for promoting food access, transparency, and healthy food choices online.

The internet is drastically changing how U.S. consumers shop for groceries, order food from restaurants, and interact with food marketing. There is an urgent need for new policies to help ensure that the internet is a force for good when it comes to food access, transparency, and nutrition. This article outlines actions that federal agencies-like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC)-and state and local governments can take to improve the online food environment. We recommend policies in three settings: online grocery retail, online restaurant ordering, and marketing on social media and other online platforms. For example, USDA could finalize regulations increasing access to online WIC and remove barriers to accessing online SNAP by requiring large retailers to waive online delivery and service fees for SNAP purchases. FDA could improve access to nutrition information by issuing guidance describing what product information should be available at the online point of selection. FTC could give better guidance on appropriate tactics when marketing to children and collect better data on how companies are marketing food to children online. Finally, state governments could pass laws like New York's recently introduced Predatory Marketing Prevention Act to address false and misleading advertising of unhealthy foods aimed at children and other vulnerable groups.

The cardiovascular scamdemic: The epidemic spread of cardiovascular treatment scams and misinformation

Recently, some cardiovascular surgeons have been increasingly using social media for marketing, often employing misleading terminology. This trend, which we termed the “cardiovascular scamdemic,” involves the widespread dissemination of deceptive advertisements for cardiovascular treatments, resembling an epidemic. Exposure to such misinformation not only endangers patients, who naturally rely on information from professional sources, but also erodes public trust in medical ethics and scientific integrity. Additionally, it contributes to treatment refusal and adverse health outcomes. The lack of comprehensive global regulations addressing these issues highlights the urgent need for more effective enforcement measures.

How False Advertising Victims’ Experiences Define Their Online Purchase Decision in Fashion Product? - Comparison between Generations

This research aimed to analyze how the experiences of victims of false advertising in the fashion industry can influence their behavior in online purchasing decisions. This research used quantitative research, which is based on the positivism paradigm. Research data was obtained from consumers in the fashion industry in Indonesia who had experienced advertising fraud, with a sample size of 200 respondents. Research data was then analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with a moderation model. This research also compared the purchasing decision behavior of each generation as control variables. The results of the analysis showed that: exposure to false advertising and perceived risk do not have a significant influence on purchasingdecisions, both in model one and model two, hedonism and impulsive buying behavior have a significant influence on purchase decision, both in model one and two, hedonism and impulsive buying behavior are neither able to strengthen nor weaken the influence of exposure to false advertising and perceived risk on purchase decision, both models and all control variables consisting of age generation, gender and marital status do not havea significant influence on purchase decision.

State Policies Targeting Patient Brokering and Deceptive Marketing of Substance Use Disorder Treatment.

To characterize state laws targeting patient brokering and deceptive marketing of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Patient brokering and deceptive marketing of SUD treatment leads to poor outcomes for individuals with SUD, including relapse- or overdose-related hospitalizations, ED visits, or death. In response, several states within the United States have passed laws targeting unethical practices of SUD treatment in recent years. The context in which these laws were passed has not been previously described. The extent to which states engaged in recovery residence regulation that also pass patient brokering and deceptive marketing laws is unknown. We conducted a descriptive study and identified state laws relating to patient brokering and deceptive marketing that were enacted and effective as of December 31, 2022. Using a model state law for addressing unethical SUD treatment practices as a guide, we developed a taxonomy to describe the laws' elements, including covered entities, prohibited activities, and penalties. We used descriptive statistics to characterize variation across current laws. All patient brokering laws explicitly mention referrals to SUD treatment facilities, and most specify that both individuals and facilities are prohibited from paying, receiving, or soliciting referrals in exchange for fees or commissions. All deceptive marketing laws prohibit making false or misleading statements about the nature of services provided. Beyond these common features, there is wide variability in the degree to which states specifically prohibit other patient brokering and deceptive marketing activities (e.g., indirect offerings, lead generation, or kickback schemes involving laboratories). State policies targeting patient brokering and deceptive marketing may be useful for preventing instances of unethical SUD treatment practices. We constructed a taxonomy to characterize elements of patient brokering and deceptive marketing laws and facilitate future evaluations of their effectiveness.

Consumption of energy drinks among medical university students in Kazakhstan.

Due to lack of information and deceptive advertising, young people widely consume energy drinks, although they should be careful because of their contents. Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, sugar, and other additives that can stimulate the body. They can cause irritability, anxiety, insomnia and can increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. Aim of this research was to study consumption of energy drinks among medical university students in Kazakhstan. Cross-sectional study was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect information. Students enrolled in various courses at the medical university, including interns and residents, were invited to participate. Atotal of 764 respondents took part in the survey. Among the trainees, 41.4 % had consumed caffeinated energy drinks in the past six months, and at the time of the survey, 16.2 % of the respondents had consumed these drinks. Respondents who do not drink alcohol are 3 times (p<0.001) more likely not to use energy drinks compared to those who drink alcohol. Those who do not exercise are 4.7 times (p<0.001) more likely not to consume energy drinks compared to active athletes. Participants who had not consumed caffeinated energy drinks in the past six months were 1.8 times (p<0.001) more likely not to consume energy drinks compared to those who drank them. Consumption of energy drinks by students can temporarily increase physical and mental performance, improve mood and raise energy levels, while at the same time, they also come with serious health risks. Therefore, educating students about the potential risks and the importance of a healthy lifestyle is essential.

Loneliness could lead to risk of fraud victimization for middle-aged and older adults

ABSTRACT Older adults have a strong desire for emotional connectivity and those who lack such social connectedness would be easily taken advantage of and experience fraud. We aimed to examine the association between loneliness and fraud victimization and further investigate the causal relationship through experimental manipulation. Fifty younger adults (aged 18–29, M age = 26.62), 43 middle-aged adults (aged 32–53, M age = 40.84) and 54 older adults (aged 60–88, M age = 68.31) were randomly assigned to induced loneliness or control conditions by a complete randomized design and then were asked to rate the credibility and purchase intention for nine misleading advertisements. Middle-aged and older adults, but not younger adults, showed higher susceptibility to fraud after loneliness manipulation. The present experiment confirmed that loneliness could lead to higher fraud victimization for middle-aged and older adults, suggesting future interventions should target those lonely middle-aged and older adults to prevent potential fraud.

Pragmatic Traps in Arabic False Advertisements

تبحث هذه الدراسة في اللغة العربية الخادعة التي يستخدمها المعلنون في إطار عملي. تلقي الضوء على المشكلة المتعلقة بالحيل التي يستخدمها المعلنون لتحريف إعلاناتهم في محاولة للتأثير على تصورات المستهلكين. وبالتالي ، تهدف إلى التعرف على الخدع التداولية في الإعلانات العربية الكاذبة. تفترض أن المعلنين يستخدمون إدعاءات كاذبة في إعلاناتهم كما تفترض انه بالامكان التعرف على خدع تداولية مختلفة في الإعلانات الكاذبة على مستوى النظريات التداولية. لتحقيق هدف الدراسة والتحقق من فرضياتها تم اعتماد نموذجين مستقلين لتحليل البيانات. الاول هو نموذج يختص بتحديد الادعاءات الكاذبة .تم تطبيق هذا النموذج على 400 إعلان يعود لأنواع مختلفة من المنتجات .تم جمع هذه الأعلانات من خلال طريقة المراقبة من مصادر مختلفة. النموذج الثاني انتقائي, و يهتم بتحديد الخدع التداولية في الإعلانات الكاذبة في إطار نظرية سيرل لأفعال الكلام (١٩٧٩) ، ونظرية المبدأ التعاوني لجرايس (١٩٧٥) ، ونظرية التهذب اللغوي (١٩٨٣) ، والافتراض المسبق (١٩٩٦) ، والاشارة المحورية. بعد تحليل البيانات نوعياً, خلصت الدراسة إلى أن الإعلانات العربية تحتوي على نوع معين من الإعلانات المخادعة وهي الإعلانات الكاذبة، ويتم تقديم هذه الإعلانات الكاذبة بشكل مختلف من خلال استراتيجيات مختلفة من قبل المعلنين لخداع المستهلكين. ويخلص أيضًا إلى أنه بالامكان التعرف على خدع تداولية مختلفة في الإعلانات الكاذبة على مستوى النظريات التداولية.

AHEAD: A Novel Technique Combining Anti-Adversarial Hierarchical Ensemble Learning with Multi-Layer Multi-Anomaly Detection for Blockchain Systems

Blockchain technology has impacted various sectors and is transforming them through its decentralized, immutable, transparent, smart contracts (automatically executing digital agreements) and traceable attributes. Due to the adoption of blockchain technology in versatile applications, millions of transactions take place globally. These transactions are no exception to adversarial attacks which include data tampering, double spending, data corruption, Sybil attacks, eclipse attacks, DDoS attacks, P2P network partitioning, delay attacks, selfish mining, bribery, fake transactions, fake wallets or phishing, false advertising, malicious smart contracts, and initial coin offering scams. These adversarial attacks result in operational, financial, and reputational losses. Although numerous studies have proposed different blockchain anomaly detection mechanisms, challenges persist. These include detecting anomalies in just a single layer instead of multiple layers, targeting a single anomaly instead of multiple, not encountering adversarial machine learning attacks (for example, poisoning, evasion, and model extraction attacks), and inadequate handling of complex transactional data. The proposed AHEAD model solves the above problems by providing the following: (i) data aggregation transformation to detect transactional and user anomalies at the data and network layers of the blockchain, respectively, (ii) a Three-Layer Hierarchical Ensemble Learning Model (HELM) incorporating stratified random sampling to add resilience against adversarial attacks, and (iii) an advanced preprocessing technique with hybrid feature selection to handle complex transactional data. The performance analysis of the proposed AHEAD model shows that it achieves higher anti-adversarial resistance and detects multiple anomalies at the data and network layers. A comparison of the proposed AHEAD model with other state-of-the-art models shows that it achieves 98.85% accuracy against anomaly detection on data and network layers targeting transaction and user anomalies, along with 95.97% accuracy against adversarial machine learning attacks, which surpassed other models.

An Ethical Analysis of the Online Content of Assisted Reproductive Technology Centers in Bangladesh.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have become a widely utilized medical technology for treating infertility worldwide. However, societies and countries have applied these technologies in accordance with their cultural practices and belief systems. This paper presents an overview of ART providers in Bangladesh and analyzes their online content in addressing potential infertile couples. Examining the topic within the context of socio-economic and public health challenges in Bangladesh, particularly overpopulation, poverty, and lack of education, the research conducted a web content analysis of ART providers in Bangladesh from July 1 to September 1, 2023. Twenty active ART providers were identified using Google searches and an exploratory key. The analysis considered locations, landing page information, ethical standards, quality certification, foreign affiliations, and success rates. The findings revealed a concentration of centers in urban areas, raising concerns about equitable access. The absence of regulation and guidelines, coupled with the lack of ART clinic registration, highlighted potential risks to patient well-being. Landing page statements utilized highly emotive language and ambiguous terms, raising ethical concerns. The absence of explicit mention of quality standards, including ISO 9001:2000 certification, indicated potential gaps in transparency. Foreign affiliations were employed for credibility, raising concerns of misleading advertising. Limited and ambiguous reporting of success rates posed challenges for informed decision-making. Evident exploitative and commercialized practices raised concerns about potentially commodifying reproductive services. The study emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks, transparency in reporting, adherence to ethical advertising, and increased cultural sensitivity to enhance the ethical standards of ART providers in Bangladesh.

Perlindungan Hukum Konsumen dari Praktik Iklan yang Menyesatkan oleh Pelaku Usaha di Kota Kupang Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1999 Tentang Perlindungan Konsumen

This study aims to (1) find out the role of business actors in making misleading promotions according to Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection, and (2) to find out the legal protection for consumers in Kupang City against misleading information provided by business actors through product promotion based on Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. This study uses an empirical judiciary method using primary data and secondary data. The results of the study show that (1) The role of business actors in making misleading advertising promotions is depicted in practices such as false advertising, deceptive practices, and fraudulent advertising. Business actors have a role in creating advertisements that do not match reality, providing incorrect information, and manipulating consumers to make purchase decisions without correct information. The impact includes harming consumers, damaging market integrity, and potentially harming the overall business image. Mistakes in this kind of marketing practice not only violate consumer protection laws, but can also shake consumer trust and affect market fairness and integrity, and (2) In the face of misleading information from business actors through product promotion in Kupang City, legal protection for consumers is essential, especially with reference to Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. This law provides a legal basis to protect consumers from dishonest and harmful advertising practices. By emphasizing principles such as benefits, fairness, balance, security, consumer safety, and legal certainty, the Act creates a foundation for consumer protection.

LINKING CORPORATE TRUST, CORPORATE IMAGE, AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED DECEPTION

Deceptive advertisement is a primary factor affecting customer loyalty because when people do not receive what they expect from advertisements, they tend to avoid using those brands. Although past researches have addressed the perceived deception in advertisements and its impact on customer loyalty, there is a lack of studies focusing on the mediating role of corporate trust, corporate image, and perceived deception in relation to customer loyalty. Household consumers were chosen as the target population due to their exposure to advertisements. A sample of 250 individuals participated in this study. Smart PLS was used for data analysis. This study confirms that perceived deception, corporate trust and corporate image play a significant mediating role in establishing customer loyalty. The findings of this study can assist marketers in developing new designs and strategies that do not mislead customers. It will also help marketers to identify the factors that should be considered when designing advertisements.

Comparative study of article 10 letter c of law number 8 of 1999 concerning consumer protection and sharia business law in online clothing sales

Background: This article discusses the problems faced by buyers in online buying and selling, in the form of advertisements that do not match the products being sold. For this reason, researchers are interested in conducting research with the title Comparative Study of Article 10 Letter C of Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection and Sharia Business Law in Online Clothes Buying and Selling by examining three online shops, namely Sa**tri.Store 1**6611424, N**la.Fasshion, and Ocyd Clothing Official. Methods: The research method uses empirical juridical, with a phenomenological and conceptual approach. Data analysis uses inductive and descriptive methods. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, documentation, questionnaires and library data. Findings: The results of the research show that the two online stores studied, namely Sa**tri.Store 1**6611424, and N**la.Fasshion are known to have committed fraud with advertising media that is misleading and contains elements of gharar and jahalah. Conclusion: Meanwhile, the Ocyd Clothing Official online shop is known to comply with applicable regulations, both from the Consumer Protection Law and Sharia Business Law. Novelty/Originality of this Study: Its comparative analysis of Article 10, Letter C of Law Number 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection with Sharia Business Law, specifically within the context of online clothing sales, provides a unique examination of legal and ethical perspectives. This approach highlights the differences and commonalities in addressing false advertising in Indonesia's burgeoning e-commerce sector.

Fifty years of deceptive marketing research: A systematic review and future research agenda

AbstractDeceptive marketing practices have continued to emerge as a persistent and difficult challenge that affects marketing exchanges and government agents alike. While thorough reviews have previously emerged to explore each of the multifaceted areas of deceptive marketing practices, the current review seeks a more holistic perspective. Utilizing an exhaustive systematic review of peer‐reviewed journal articles (n = 92), the goal of the current work is threefold: (1) review and integrate existing research, (2) identify common themes to develop a comprehensive framework for deception, and (3) map future avenues for research. To accomplish this, the literature was reviewed to identify specific eras pivotal to the 50‐year evolution of deceptive marketing, which revealed several notable observations: a continuously evolving definition, an insufficient depth of theoretical underpinnings, and a vast breadth of construct diversity. After providing a clear definition for deceptive marketing, a new framework is proposed to view the deception literature based on a thematic approach (advertising, ethics &amp; public policy, deceptive marketing tactics, covert marketing communication) encompassed by exogenous factors (posttruth phenomena, impact proximity, social consensus, and exchange type). Future research accompanies the new robust framework in the hopes that the current research will guide future researchers in expanding the domain of deceptive marketing research cohesively.

Product Safety and Liability with Deceptive Advertising and Moral Hazard

Product Safety and Liability with Deceptive Advertising and Moral Hazard

Ethical Violations in Business Practices on Social Commerce: Insights from Quranic Verses

The advancement of technology has resulted in a decline in business ethical standards, particularly within the realm of online trading on social commerce. However, this phenomenon tends to be neglected in Islamic economic studies. This study responds to the shortcomings of existing studies by focusing on explaining and reflecting on how violations of Qur'anic business ethics occur in online trading on social commerce. In order to address these issues, this study employs a descriptive qualitative approach utilising the content analysis method. The findings of this study indicate three significant contexts in which violations of Quranic business ethics in online trading on social commerce occur. Firstly, ghorar, which occurs in misleading product descriptions and hidden fees, is employed to manipulate consumer behaviour through deceptive marketing tactics. Secondly, maisir, which takes the form of exploitation and the creation of a "viral trend" culture that could lead to impulsive and potentially unethical purchasing decisions, is a further issue. Thirdly, zolim, which takes the form of deceptive marketing practices, unfair pricing, or the exploitation of vulnerable consumers, is also a concern. These three findings collectively demonstrate that the advent of technology has negatively impacted the ethical standards observed in Qur'an business practices. Furthermore, this study recommends that further research be conducted to investigate the potential for technology to mitigate the negative consequences of online sales.

False, Deceptive, and Misleading Marketing of Nonsurgical Medical Aesthetic Devices: A Nursing Informed Policy Brief

This nursing informed policy brief: (1) presents a policy issue concerning to patient safety and informed consent of false, deceptive, and misleading marketing of nonsurgical medical aesthetic devices, (2) overviews a focused background, context, and the current regulatory scheme relevant to marketing medical devices and of informed consent in the United States, (3) offers a balanced critique of viable policy alternatives for addressing the issue, and (4) advances a recommendation for a policy solution of increased formal education for health care professionals on recognizing and responding to false, deceptive, and misleading marketing of medical devices through adaptation of an existing awareness and outreach program. The nursing perspective is applied and implications for nursing education, practice, and research are discussed. Importantly, the present political climate is favorable for addressing this pressing policy issue.