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BUS 206 Discussion

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The responsibility of controlling the menace of fake news primarily rests with businesses

and advertising agencies because they are the direct origin and distributors of advertisements.

Such agencies must operate honestly and truthfully within their due diligence in the marketing of

any given product or service involving any third-party affiliates (Verstraete et al., 2022). This can

only be achieved when regulatory actions are put in place, such as when the Federal Trade

Commission (FTC) applies the law against deceptive advertising and helps in the detection and

elimination of deceptive acts on social media. Ordinary people also play a role in exercising

critical thinking in advertisements. Such a multi-pronged approach is supposed to achieve

accountability and protect consumer trust.

It is unethical for companies to allow their ads on controversial sites that publish untested

scientific data or hate speech just for the sake of money they get from the same. Such placements

can mislead consumers into thinking the company actually agrees with the content, tainting the

stand of the company in integrity and public trust (Bakir & McStay, 2018). Associates with

harmful content will lead to harm more than good, hence outweighing short-term financial

benefits regarding long-term reputation damage and loss of customer trust. Ethical advertising

ensures the establishment of loyalty and a positive brand image among customers, meaning a lot

in their long-term success for business houses.

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References

Verstraete, M., Bambauer, J. R., & Bambauer, D. E. (2022). Identifying and countering fake

news. Hastings LJ, 73, 821.

Bakir, V., & McStay, A. (2018). Fake news and the economy of emotions: Problems, causes,

solutions. Digital journalism, 6(2), 154–175.