The public is swayed more by new ideas than by good ones.

The public is swayed more by new ideas than by good ones.

10:30 to 11:00

Since the start of the industrial revolution, new ideas are often transformed into new products. With the invention and sale of new products, a new form of business was formed, capitalism. Capitalism is a very complicated and tricky field of business and requires great tactics such as marketing. Marketing is an essential first step for a business to lure customers and make them develop interest in their product. Often times marketing these new products was the result of a new idea. Ubiquitous advertising campaigns on billboards and electronic media have grabbed people’s attention by new ideas. However, people nowadays are often swayed by new ideas than good ones but individual decisions need to be made.

Firstly consider circumstances when the public is swayed by new ideas. On a frequent basis people encounter new products on the internet or television. Often times these new ideas are glamourized on television as a solution to common probems faced by everyone. For example, since the invention of television, the idea of having a nice muscular body has become a part of American culture. Television infomercials introduce a multitude of new weight loss and muscle toning products that it makes its very tempting for people to buy them. New products such as the P90X program, Ab Lounge and Total Gym are a few of many programs that are becoming very popular. Another example, that is often glamourized on television on are new products especially diet fads. Diet fads are also becoming popular in younger generations as a solution to losing weight. Products such as Hydroxycut and Xenaline are popular muscle building pills potentially designed to gain muscle if people continue doing regular physical activity. These new ideas are often very enticing to the public because it often shows a quick fix or magic bullet to problems such as losing weight. They seem to be very cheap, so people tend to lean toward these shortcuts.

However, people must also consider the drawbacks of these products but this often ignored in the consumer frenzy of the compulsion of acquiring the product.

On the other hand, consider when good ideas might outweigh new ideas. For example with the invention of new technology it is often perceived as a threat but it can also be a good idea. Nowadays, many cities and companies are striving to become environmentally friendly or green. Many government agencies and companies are advertising the importance of keeping the planet healthier by encouraging the reduction of carbon emissions, recycling and using compostable materials such as biodegradable metals and plastics. For example, with the invention of many hybrid vehicles and the newest trend of all electric vehicles, car companies are hoping to promote a green consumer market. In addition, the government has issued tax breaks and incentives to individuals who purchase “greener” vehicles since it is in the best interest to reduce carbon emissions. Another example of a good idea is to encourage more people to carpool in larger metropolitan areas as an alternative way to reduce carbon emissions. Government transportation agencies have created carpooling lanes and also incentives such as toll free gates in the highway and discounts at the pump. However, regardless of the incentives given the dilemma with good ideas as in the case of eco-friendly cars and transportation habits, is the cost it takes to implement. Enforcement of the idea takes time, money, persistence and most importantly patience. There is no quick fix to environmental problems so this good idea will take time.

All in all, it is in the consumer’s best interest to determine what is beneficial and harmful to them. Often times new ideas, such as weight loss pills are very easy to implement and often cheaper, however the many  drawbacks need to be examined. On the other hand, keeping a city “green” is a good idea that will be expensive which requires cooperation from everyone and patience. So in general, good and new ideas need to be balanced to have a fair trade market.