Consumers to be wary of unethical advertising methods

So there is an advertisement making the rounds and receiving intensive coverage and widespread interest because it featured a purported supernatural "haunting" in a lift. (Not going to state which one in particular, because that would only land it more free publicity.)

The buzz it created is impressive because it is indeed creative. But here is where the advertisement has crossed the line. Although it is a matter of ethics and practice to state clearly when an advertisement is an advertisement, ad creators are finding new and interesting methods to help them bypass the longstanding accepted norms all in the name of being creative.

And there seems to be something wrong about that. Consumers are unwittingly exposed to the advertisements - which they would probably have not bothered to even look at if they knew it were ads - and come away knowing that they have been duped while the ad creators are given accolades for developing something memorable.

The essence of the argument is that ad creators have tried and will continue to try all means to reach their target audience with an array of methods, regardless of whether the audience wants or does not want to be exposed.

Ultimately, the consumers are the sitting ducks.