Disclaimer: I know I’m dredging up a long dismissed argument from 10 years ago, and discussing it in all the same tone as people did back then, despite everyone having moved on. My core thesi…
I think there is balance marketers need to strike. When working conditions in sweatshops are on the news, you rather have the consumers believe in full automation. When it’s not on everyone’s mind you can market it as hand made.
those marketers will take whatever balance their owners demand, so if/when workers interests are put first I think marketing will morph into a pseudo public announcements type of thing. current trends have me believing that things are about to become more hyper individualized, preying on specific fears and anxieties. rather than the more general tones we see today (eg “You’re too fat” becomes “partner’s name] thinks you’re too fat” complete with an ai actor that looks like your partner).
I think there is balance marketers need to strike. When working conditions in sweatshops are on the news, you rather have the consumers believe in full automation. When it’s not on everyone’s mind you can market it as hand made.
those marketers will take whatever balance their owners demand, so if/when workers interests are put first I think marketing will morph into a pseudo public announcements type of thing. current trends have me believing that things are about to become more hyper individualized, preying on specific fears and anxieties. rather than the more general tones we see today (eg “You’re too fat” becomes “partner’s name] thinks you’re too fat” complete with an ai actor that looks like your partner).