“Ugh, these ads are evil!”
That was a frustrated claim I heard recently during a conversation with friends. The topic? How in-app promotions and paid ads are increasingly (and annoyingly) woven into our daily media feeds. And to be fair, there’s plenty of ongoing debate surrounding misinformation, free speech, and ethical boundaries on digital platforms. The concern over advertising that manipulates or bypasses informed consent is real, and even the FTC is keeping a close eye on it. But does that mean all ads are inherently evil in nature? This is where public service advertising jumps in.
Rethinking Advertising Through Purpose
Earlier this month, I attended the Admerica conference hosted by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) in Pittsburgh. Not only did I participate as an attendee, but I also had the privilege of judging the Ad2 National Public Service Advertising Competition, an initiative that reminded me just how impactful advertising can be when done with purpose.
Ad2 is a national network of advertising professionals aged 32 and under who are early in their careers but are working on developing their skills while giving back to their communities. The campaigns I saw were all created by volunteers using donated time, resources, and earned media (read: public media features and lots of reshares) to tell meaningful stories and raise awareness around social issues. Whether supporting indigenous communities in Minnesota, empowering at-risk youth in Hawaii, or helping to prevent overdose deaths in Texas, each project tackled serious challenges with creativity and integrity.
Advertising With Impact
While I was in Pittsburgh, the Posture team back home was equally hard at work on NEPA Gives, the region’s largest single day of giving, produced annually with our nonprofit partners at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Much like the Ad2 campaigns, NEPA Gives relies heavily on donated media, organic engagement, and grassroots sharing to thrive. Our goal is to create a low barrier to entry for nonprofits, allowing them to amplify their missions and connect with new donors. Every year, NEPA Gives is made possible through the power of storytelling and smart strategy.
So, is advertising “evil”?
Yes, advertising can be tone-deaf and annoying at times. But in the right hands, it can also be a powerful force for good.
At Posture, we thrive on using our creative skills to elevate causes that matter. Public service advertising, in particular, is one of the most meaningful ways we contribute to our community. It’s proof that when used with integrity, intention, and compassion, advertising doesn’t have to be “evil.” It can educate, inspire, and uplift.
And that’s the kind of advertising I’m proud to put forth into the world.
