A potential problem of using advertising with a strong fear appeal to discourage drug abuse among teenagers is that:
A)there is no appropriate medium.
B)it works only in combination with a refutational appeal.
C)it may have inhibiting effects and be tuned out by teenagers.
D)a message with high levels of fear creates low self-esteem.
E)parents may be offended if the message is perceived as too frightening.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A strong fear appeal may have inhibiting effects and be tuned out by teenagers, meaning they may ignore or avoid the message altogether. Additionally, if the fear appeal is too intense, it may lower self-esteem rather than motivate behavior change. Therefore, using fear appeals in advertising to discourage drug abuse among teenagers should be done with caution and with consideration given to the potential negative outcomes.

A Potential Problem of Using Advertising with a Strong Fear