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Font size can 'nudge' customers toward healthier food choices

A recent study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management suggests that restaurants can encourage customers to choose healthier food options by adjusting the font size of nutritional information on menus. By representing calorie values incongruously, businesses can effectively 'nudge' customers towards making heal...

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateAug 10, 2023

Study explores how social network users decide to make friends

Researchers found that similarity with a potential friend, the properties of a potential friend's network, and the potential friend's domain expertise are key drivers behind individuals' online friendship decisions. Having common interests and demographic traits improves the odds of two strangers becoming friends in an online community.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

Children in Chile saw 73% fewer TV ads for unhealthy foods and drinks following trailblazing marketing restrictions

Chile's multi-phased regulations, starting in 2016, have led to a 73% drop in children's exposure to TV ads for regulated foods and drinks. The number of unhealthy food ads on TV dropped by 64%, with 77% fewer during children's programming.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJun 8, 2023

Amid volumes of mobile location data, new framework reduces consumers’ privacy risk, preserves advertisers’ utility

A new framework developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers significantly reduces consumers' privacy risk while preserving advertisers' utility in mobile location data analysis. The framework uses machine learning to quantify personalized privacy risks and performs personalized data obfuscation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateJun 5, 2023

Unhealthy food dominated grocery store flyers

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that nearly two-thirds of grocery store flyers in Sweden feature unhealthy foods. The analysis of weekly flyers from 122 stores revealed that high-sugar foods and drinks were the most common category, contradicting Nordic Nutrition Recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 31, 2023

Applying blockchain to digital advertising

A new study suggests that blockchain can combat both invasive advertising and ad fraud, giving consumers more control over their data and experience. By tracking user information and transactions, blockchain can prevent fake ads and fraudulent activities, potentially saving advertisers billions of dollars in losses.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateMay 2, 2023

New Study Suggests Cold Imagery Creates Perception of Newness in Advertisements

Researchers from Japan found that cold imagery can positively influence consumer behavior and perception about a product, increasing perceived ambiguity and newness. This study suggests using background images related to coldness in advertisements may be an effective way for marketers to communicate product newness without altering the...

SourceSophia University·JournalJournal of Business Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

11 ways to improve airlines for customers

Research using artificial intelligence analyzed nearly 400,000 customer reviews to identify key themes and customer sentiment towards airlines. The study found that customers commonly complained about lost luggage, uncomfortable seating and flight cancellations, but praised in-flight entertainment, ground staff and business-class servi...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 24, 2023

Study sheds light on concerning new trend in drug advertising: Patient influencers

A new study explores the growing trend of patient influencers promoting prescription drugs on social media, often with close ties to pharmaceutical companies. Despite some good intentions, researchers raise concerns about the lack of medical training and potential for misinformation, highlighting the need for greater regulation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 13, 2023

Positive emotion drives disinformation ads on Facebook

Research by University of Florida researchers found that disinformation ads on Facebook use a clear recipe with short ad buys, familiar language, and big budgets to reach more people. The most engaging ads were full of positive feelings encouraging good emotions about one's own groups rather than bad emotions towards others.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Interactive Advertising·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

Will you let a robot assist in surgery on you? The role of advertising in high-tech medical procedures

Researchers analyzed 140,000 patient records and TV ads from Florida to investigate the effectiveness of DTCA for robotics surgery. The study found that patients exposed to robotic surgery advertising were more likely to choose it over conventional laparoscopic and open surgeries. Additionally, hospital marketers can use DTCA to sway p...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 1, 2023

Study finds only about half of AI-generated ads only labeled as such

A University of Kansas study analyzed over 1,000 AI-generated ads and found that they are only labeled as ads about half the time, often appealing to consumers in positive ways. The prevalence of AI in programmatic advertising raises concerns about consumer deception and the need for updated guidelines to require transparency.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Strategic Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

Spending on consumer advertising for top-selling prescription drugs in U.S. favors those with low added benefit

A new study found that the majority of top-selling prescription drugs in the US have low added benefit, with consumer advertising favoring these products. The analysis revealed a significant shift in promotional spending to direct-to-consumer ads, which may drive patient demand for less effective treatments.

Gambling advertising restrictions could reduce harm

A systematic review of 70 research papers found that exposure to gambling advertising increases intentions to gamble and gambling activity, leading to greater risk of harm. The study also showed that restrictions could particularly benefit children and young people, as well as adults already vulnerable to gambling-related harms.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPublic Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 25, 2023

Study: U.S. cannabis advertising policies suffer from a lack of consistency

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that US cannabis advertising policies are inconsistent and often lack guidance, leaving vulnerable populations open to exposure. Most states do not address prohibited advertising tactics like glamorization and testimonials, unlike Canada's strict federal Cannabis Act.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Urgent need to address ‘regulatory void’ for online gambling across sub-Saharan Africa – new study

A new study found that limited information is available on the size of the gambling market, participation, harms, and prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers argue that regulation is outdated and ill-equipped for a digital age, with many territories lacking explicit regulation for online gambling.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPublic Health·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 12, 2023

Think before you design your brand's logo: How marketers can capitalize on the power of perception to influence beliefs about brand performance

A new study found that structured visual design properties, such as symmetry and balance, reinforce claims about a brand's utilitarian benefits. In contrast, unstructured designs are associated with hedonic benefits. The research suggests marketers can use perception to influence beliefs about brand performance and consumer choice.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 4, 2023

Later brand reveal in advertisements leads to better sales

A University of Otago-led study found that television advertisements are more successful when the product is shown first and the brand is revealed later. This approach creates unresolved tension and attention, leading to prolonged processing and positive associations. The results contradict standard marketing theory and practice, highl...

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers develop algorithm for optimal decision making under heavy-tailed noisy rewards

Chung-Ang University researchers propose a new algorithm, MR-UCB and MR-APE, to tackle stochastic multi-armed bandit problems with heavy-tailed noise distributions. The methods guarantee minimal loss for worst-case scenarios with minimal prior information.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2022

Does topic consistency matter in movie reviews? A study of critic and user reviews and their impact on movie demand

Researchers found that content overlap between critic and user reviews increases movie demand, particularly for movies with mediocre review ratings. The study suggests that producers and marketers can leverage this by engaging with both professional critics and general consumers to find commonalities in their reviews.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 19, 2022

Current FDA oversight of vaping industry likely to have minimal impact

The FDA's warning letters issued in 2020 and 2021 revealed that the regulator is failing to target leading tobacco companies and products most popular among young people. Over 90% of warnings were sent to small online retailers, while flavoured refillable e-cigarette liquids accounted for over 90% of the products cited.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

UK government media releases risk flouting regs on promotion of prescription only meds, warns DTB

Recent media releases from UK government agencies and NHS organizations lack objectivity and provide unbalanced information on prescription-only medicines. The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin expresses concerns over the use of hyperbolic language and omission of key information about potential harms and benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2022

Study finds tactile impressions add product value

A study conducted by researchers at Hiroshima University found that smartphone users are willing to pay a premium for different surface textures on their phone covers. The study's findings suggest that the commercial viability of surface texture has not been empirically examined, but could be an important aspect of product design.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalIEEE Access·DateSep 26, 2022

Food advertisements on Twitch can lead to cravings, purchases

Researchers found that Twitch viewers are more likely to remember, crave, and purchase brands advertised on the platform. The study suggests that up to 15% of participants experienced cravings for advertised products, with 8% reporting purchases. This highlights concerns over the impact of food marketing on young adults' health.

SourcePenn State·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateAug 31, 2022

Junk food advertising restrictions prevent almost 100,000 obesity cases and is expected to save the NHS £200m

New research finds junk food advertising restrictions have prevented 94,867 fewer obesity cases, 2,857 fewer diabetes cases, and 1,915 fewer cardiovascular disease cases. The policy is estimated to save the NHS £218 million over its lifetime.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2022

Music is key to converting consumers’ good intentions to actual purchases in ethical and sustainable markets

Research finds that up-tempo major mode music can increase purchase intentions for green products, bridging the gap between consumers' words and deeds. Major mode music is effective in reducing the attitude-behaviour gap by 40-50%, regardless of consumer background or product type.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Journal of Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022