A good portion of advertising is probably a net negative to society in the form of promoting consumption beyond healthy/financially responsible levels. However

A good portion of advertising is probably a net negative to society in the form of promoting consumption beyond healthy/financially responsible levels. However, anyone who's ever started a product business knows that advertising is often the only effective way to get new customers, even if your product is amazingly helpful to people. It's difficult to draw the line between advertising that is helpful and advertising that is harmful.