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Marketing has the power to inspire, but it also shapes our perceptions in ways we don’t always realize. For over eight years, I’ve worked in the design industry, collaborating with experts and learning from renowned mentors. These experiences have refined my skills and given me the privilege of mentoring rising talents who went on to influence major brands. My journey has shown me how marketing shapes our decisions, often without us realizing it. The power of storytelling in advertising is undeniable, but sometimes, the narratives we’re sold aren’t entirely true.

We live in a world surrounded by advertisements — on our screens, in our feeds, and even in everyday conversations. Many of these marketing strategies have subtly rewritten our beliefs, shaping how we view success, relationships, and even our bodies. While some campaigns aim to inspire, others have led to societal misconceptions that affect our financial well-being, personal choices, and mental health. Let’s explore five marketing-driven myths that have subtly influenced us and why it’s time to rethink them.

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The Diamond Engagement Ring: A Manufactured Tradition

You’ve probably heard the so-called golden rule: an engagement ring should cost at least two months’ salary. But did you know this idea has only been around for less than a century? Before the 1930s, engagement rings were not considered a necessity, and diamonds were a luxury only the wealthiest could afford.

Then came De Beers. Facing financial struggles during the Great Depression, the diamond company launched an advertising campaign that changed the way people viewed engagement. Their slogan, “Diamonds are Forever,” positioned diamonds as symbols of eternal love, convincing couples that a diamond ring was an essential part of a proposal. They even enlisted Hollywood celebrities to showcase sparkling rings, embedding the idea into popular culture.

Fast-forward to today, and many couples delay their weddings, believing they need to save up for an expensive diamond. Others take on unnecessary debt just to meet an expectation that was, in reality, created by a marketing strategy. The truth? Love isn’t measured in carats, and a strong relationship doesn’t need a costly symbol to prove its worth.

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The Big Wedding Fantasy: More Than Just a Celebration

While marketers didn’t entirely create lavish weddings, they certainly amplified them. Before the 1950s, weddings were often modest affairs attended by close family and friends. However, with the economic boom after World War II, the wedding industry saw an opportunity. Magazines and Hollywood films began showcasing extravagant ceremonies, influencing middle-class couples to aspire to the same grandeur.

Today, the average wedding costs tens of thousands of dollars, and many couples feel pressured to spend beyond their means to create a “perfect” day. Some even postpone getting married altogether, waiting until they can afford the elaborate event they’ve been conditioned to expect. But the essence of a wedding isn’t in the décor, the venue, or the number of guests — it’s in the commitment between two people. A meaningful ceremony doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

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The Diet Culture Myth: A Business Disguised as Wellness

One of the most damaging marketing-driven lies is that being thin equals being healthy. The roots of this myth trace back to early 20th-century advertising, when cigarette companies promoted smoking as a weight-loss tool. Campaigns like Lucky Strike’s “Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet” preyed on insecurities, reinforcing the idea that a slim figure was the ultimate goal.

Over time, diet industries capitalized on these fears, promoting fad diets, weight-loss pills, and unrealistic beauty standards. The result? A culture obsessed with dieting, often at the expense of actual well-being. Eating disorders, anxiety, and body dissatisfaction became widespread, fueled by marketing that equated thinness with happiness.

True health isn’t dictated by a number on a scale. It’s about balance — physical, mental, and emotional. Instead of letting corporations define what health should look like, we should turn to science, nutrition, and medical professionals who prioritize long-term well-being over short-term aesthetic goals.

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The Productivity Hustle: Work Harder, Not Smarter?

We’ve all heard the phrase “rise and grind.” The idea that success only comes from relentless hustle is a narrative pushed by industries that profit from overworked individuals. From self-help books to corporate slogans, the glorification of long hours has led many to believe that burnout is just part of the journey.

But is it? Studies show that excessive work hours don’t necessarily translate to productivity. Chronic stress reduces creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall efficiency. Successful professionals aren’t just those who work the longest hours — they’re the ones who work strategically, balancing effort with well-being. Instead of glorifying exhaustion, it’s time to redefine success beyond the hustle.

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The Fast Fashion Trap: More for Less Comes at a Cost

The fashion industry has successfully marketed the idea that more clothes equal more style. Fast fashion brands churn out new collections at breakneck speed, enticing consumers with affordable, trendy options. But behind the low prices lie environmental damage, exploitative labor conditions, and a culture of disposability.

Marketing has convinced us that repeating outfits is a faux pas and that keeping up with trends is a necessity. However, sustainable fashion movements are challenging this notion, promoting quality over quantity and ethical production over mass consumption. Fashion should be an expression of individuality, not a race to keep up with ever-changing trends dictated by corporations.

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Rethinking the Narrative

Having worked with major brands and mentored emerging designers, I’ve seen firsthand how marketing shapes perceptions. While advertising can be a powerful tool for storytelling and engagement, it’s important to recognize when it becomes manipulative. Marketing’s influence is undeniable, but so is our ability to question, challenge, and redefine these narratives.

By becoming more aware of these myths, we can make choices based on our values rather than manufactured expectations. Whether it’s engagement rings, weddings, beauty standards, work culture, or fashion, understanding the true motives behind marketing messages empowers us to think critically and live authentically.

In the end, the most valuable things in life aren’t dictated by advertisements — they’re defined by the choices we make for ourselves.

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Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert

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