> So the advertising has to convince you that you're not happy That claim doesn't follow. Some people actually are unhappy, or would actually be happier if the

> So the advertising has to convince you that you're not happy That claim doesn't follow. Some people actually are unhappy, or would actually be happier if they discovered and purchased certain products. I'm not claiming that advertising is or isn't a net positive, but this part of your argument doesn't hold up. It's kind of like saying "dating, or asking someone on a date, is fundamentally trying to convince someone that they would be happier with you; if they were perfectly happy already what else would they need?; so you have to convince them that they're not happy just to get them to go on a date with you; thus asking someone on a date if basically negging."