Which public service announcement affected you enough that you almost immediately changed a behavior?
Years before becoming a vegetarian, I stopped eating veal almost immediately after spotting a PSA that described the brutally short lives of these defenseless animals. Forty-five years later, the photograph accompanying that PSA remains as clear to me as any I have ever seen. Don't recall who sponsored it nor do I remember where I first saw it. But that PSA was - for me - a life-altering experience.
Over my seventy-five + years, PSA's have helped to shift public behavior in several key areas. They've helped reduce litter, alerted people to the dangers of nicotine and the risks associated with drinking during pregnancy, promoted recycling. Asked to identify a contemporary issue in need of a PSA in 2025, what would be your top priority? Do I have anything in mind? What do you think? But I'd rather hear your idea first.
I really dislike the shock value of some PSA’s. I am immediately turned off by visuals of suffering humans and animals. I would be much more open to seeing a PSA that showed, for example, a beautiful clean beach, with some sort of voice over to the effect of, you can make this happen. Or, in terms of smoking, maybe seeing strong healthy people working out, running, etc with a message of …you could be doing this! Are minds changed by punishment or reward?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous; Although I agree that rewards can be more effective than punishments in certain situations - like raising children, for example - I'm not convinced that applies to PSAs. And I know for sure I would have not stopped eating veal if not for the "shock value" of the PSA mentioned in my post. That aside, thanks for the comment.
DeleteWho can forget "your brain on drugs" illustrated by a fried egg? I do remember some scary anti-smoking ads from the 80's. They must have helped because so few people smoke these days.
ReplyDeleteRegina; Forgot about that fried egg PSA. And I agree those smoking PSAs had the desired effect re = reducing the # of people who smoke. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteNot sure how the imagery would go, but I'd like to see a PSA showing our democracy on life support.
ReplyDeleteHey Jim; Thanks for the comment. Although it's distressing to consider, the idea of a PSA about how our democracy is under siege has merit, if for no other reason than to shake people out of their complacency. I'd like to see something addressing the scourge of gun violence.
DeleteThis topic intrigues me and I have been thinking further about it. Using what can be considered very painful visuals may be a good way to reach people who are in that situation and recognize themselves….then perhaps look for the help they need. As an example, I recently saw a PSA related to domestic abuse. Perhaps there are people who have not realized that their situation is actually abusive and as a result of seeing it, they recognize themselves and look for help.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous; Thanks for the thoughtful and well-considered comment. I agree that a PSA motivating people to escape abusive situations is - by definition - a worthwhile one.
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