The most common way psychology is used to manipulate and influence people in their daily lives is through advertising in magazines, and on television, radio, and the Internet. Fear and insecurity are often used to help sell products that claim to correct some “problem” you think you have. Advertisers try to convince you to purchase their products to fix your wrinkles, dark spots, bags under your eyes, thinning hair, or how much you weigh.
Another psychological technique is called anthropomorphism which means giving animals or inanimate objects human characteristics. A recent TV advertising campaign using a box with stick hands and legs to sell home colon cancer test kits is an example of this.