Ad Tricks & Persuasion
This ad technique uses a celebrity or influencer to sell a product.
What is testimonial/endorsement?
A trustworthy health claim usually comes from this type of source
What is a reliable/credible source?
This label tells you what’s in a food and how much is in one serving.
What is a Nutrition Facts label?
An online “highlight reel” that can make life look perfect is common on this.
What is social media?
This is a health risk from breathing in smoke, smog, or chemicals in the air.
What is air pollution?
An ad that uses a “before and after” story to make you believe the product works every time.
What is anecdotal evidence?
This is a claim that sounds scientific but isn’t supported by strong evidence.
What is misinformation
The best way to know if a product is a good deal is to compare this.
What is unit price/price per ounce?
The strategy of taking breaks from screens to support mental health is called…
What is a digital detox (or screen-time boundaries)?
This is what we call materials like plastic bottles and cans when we reduce, reuse, and…
What is recycle?
This technique tries to make you feel you’ll be left out if you don’t buy it.
What is bandwagon?
A website ending in these domains is often more credible for health info (not always perfect).
What are .gov, .edu?
“Clinically proven” is stronger if the study is this type of research.
What is a peer-reviewed scientific study?
This is when an app shows you more of what you already like, shaping what you see.
What is an algorithm?
This can contaminate drinking water and harm ecosystems.
What is water pollution?
“Limited time only!” “Only 3 left!”—this technique pushes you to act fast.
What is scarcity/urgency?
“This product cures everything!”—this is a red flag because it’s an unrealistic…
What is an exaggerated claim?
When you check multiple sources before believing a claim, you are doing this.
What is verification/cross-checking?
Sponsored posts should include words like this so you know it’s an ad.
What are #ad / sponsored / paid partnership?
These tiny plastic pieces can end up in oceans and even food chains
What are microplastics?
A brand associates a product with positive feelings like happiness, friendship, or success.
What is emotional appeal/association?
The skill of questioning who made the message, why, and what they want you to do.
What is critical thinking/media literacy?
A company uses eco-friendly wording but the product isn’t actually environmentally responsible.
What is greenwashing?
A message that tries to manipulate your feelings to get clicks or shares is…
What is clickbait?
A change you can advocate for at school to improve environmental health AND reduce waste.
What is reusable water bottle stations, recycling/compost program, less single-use plastic, clean-up campaign?