The Spectrum

Issue date: 2/15/06 Section: Features

Media Credit: AP Photo/Pizza Hut, Prashant Gupta Commercails for Pizza Hut are also using a sex-sells mentality.

There have been numerous assertions made by advertising companies about their products. Recently, a new energy drink called "Turn On," claims that it will do more than energize you, but it will also guarantee an increase in sexual pleasure in your relationship.

The makers of this new cherry soda advertise it as, today's contemporary love potion.

This drink hasn't been sold nationwide yet, but it will soon be out on the market. As for now, makers are testing the product to see if it actually works.

Ingredients in this soft drink include ginseng, guaran, ginko, biloba, and not surprisingly, caffeine. Not only is this product an aphrodisiac, but it is also a sure fire way to suffer a heart attack if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant, a child, or have heart disease.

The advertising may be effective in the short term, but companies are failing to see how much damage their products, and their marketing ways actually affect their audience.

"I think that this new 'Turn on' product is more for marketing purposes. It's possible that it could increase your sexual pleasure, but I think they are taking it a step too far," said Dayna Dibiasi, junior, Hauppauge, N.Y.

"It's like a placebo effect, if you tell someone that a product is supposed to do something then people will believe it and think it really does increase sexual pleasure when it really doesn't," said Jennifer Jones, junior, Nolensville, Tenn.

Lately, advertising has taken on a life of its own. Advertising companies are trying to promote their products in any way that will appeal to the public, resulting in sales.

A product like "Fahrenheit," an over-the-counter diet pill, displays a sexy woman with incredible tone and muscle, and practically no fat on her body. She is sculpted in every way that an average woman would want.

"In general, I really think that advertising goes too far. First of all, I can't imagine that it would be healthy to use these diet pills that they are advertising, but I also think it's somewhat of false advertising. I think most of those results aren't average and I'm also sure those people watch what they eat, diet, and exercise. Those commercials make it seem like you don't have to," said Dibiasi.

Continued...

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