Mass Data Collection and Consumer Profiling

A company that collects consumer data and sells it to other entities.

Information about individual consumers, including buying habits, interests, demographics, and online activity.

The ways in which data brokers track and gather consumer data, often involving website visits, clicks, and cookies.

When an organization uses consumer data in ways not explicitly permitted or understood by the consumer.

Creating detailed descriptions of consumer characteristics and behavior patterns.

Gathering consumer data in a way that respects privacy and provides transparency.

Tools used to track user activity on websites.

Data brokers are frequently criticized for lack of consumer transparency, limited consumer access to data, and a lack of accountability.

Marketing tactic used by companies to portray themselves as environmentally friendly when their practices are not.

Businesses that prioritize environmentally friendly practices and social responsibility in their operations.

The effect a company's activities have on the environment, including pollution, resource consumption, and waste generation.

Growing demand from consumers for products and services sourced from environmentally friendly companies.

Creating a positive image and reputation for a company through marketing and other strategies.

Sustainability plays a key role in building a brand's reputation and attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

A real-world example of greenwashing where Volkswagen marketed its vehicles as environmentally friendly but used software to cheat emissions tests.

Another example of greenwashing, where Starbucks marketed a new lid as “straw-less” but it was actually made of more plastic than the old lid and straw.

A company can gain benefits like increased profits, positive public image, or partnerships by seeming environmentally friendly.

Using environmental concerns to promote products or services, often with exaggerated or misleading claims.

Companies genuinely work to reduce their environmental impact and create a sustainable future.

A resource that helps consumers identify and analyze greenwashing claims.

Investigating a company's claims by reviewing their website, searching for environmental information, and assessing the authenticity of their messages.

Marketing that is honest about a company's environmental impact and focuses on genuine sustainability efforts.

Examining real-world examples to understand the techniques used in greenwashing and to distinguish genuine sustainability efforts.

Promoting products or services specifically targeting a particular gender.

Debating whether marketing products based on gender stereotypes is morally right.

Representing people from different backgrounds, cultures, and identities in advertising.

How advertisers approach products specifically for girls.

How advertisers approach products specifically for boys.

Dividing the population into groups based on gender to target products or services specifically to men or women.

Marketing strategies that embrace diversity and target a wide range of people, regardless of gender, race, age, or other characteristics.

Globalization increases the need for companies to be aware of and cater to diverse audiences worldwide.

Marketing efforts that miss the mark due to inappropriate representation or lack of awareness about diversity.

Considering the ethical implications of marketing strategies, including how they portray and treat diverse groups.

Shifting trends in marketing away from traditional gender-based segmentation and towards inclusive representation and diversity.

Marketing that resonates with consumers and is perceived as impactful because it reflects modern society and its diverse groups.

A type of currency that exists only in digital form and uses cryptography for security.

A special type of digital ledger that records transactions in a decentralized and secure way, making it difficult to tamper with.

A type of digital currency that uses cryptography for security and relies on a blockchain network for transactions.

The process of verifying and adding new transactions to the blockchain, which rewards miners with cryptocurrency.

A centralized ledger is stored in a single location, while a distributed ledger is spread across multiple locations or participants, making it more secure and resistant to manipulation.

A trend where individuals or groups publicly condemn and attempt to 'cancel' a person, brand, or product for past actions deemed offensive or harmful.

Publicly expressing disapproval or disagreement with a brand, product, or company on social media, often leading to boycotts and calls for cancellation.

Cancel culture aims to address social inequalities by holding individuals and organizations accountable for past behaviours or beliefs considered unacceptable.

Cancel culture can significantly impact consumer behaviour and influence purchasing decisions by highlighting ethical issues and potentially affecting a brand's reputation.

An Instagram account that criticizes fashion inequalities and copycats, leading to calls for boycotts against brands like Dolce & Gabbana for racist and prejudiced behaviors.

Cancel culture can stifle freedom of speech and suppress diverse opinions, potentially leading to a restrictive environment where people are afraid to express themselves.

Cancel culture is often seen as a form of retribution when the justice system fails to deliver consequences for offenses, but critics argue it can be a form of mob justice.

Marketing strategies must address cancel culture by emphasizing ethical practices, diversity, and responsible behavior to avoid being targeted and losing consumer trust.

A coordinated effort by consumers to stop buying products or services from a specific company or brand as a form of protest.

How a brand reacts to negative publicity or public outcry, including apologies, explanations, changes in practices, and communication strategies.

Steps a brand takes in advance to prevent negative publicity and maintain a positive image, such as promoting ethical practices and diversity.

Actions taken by a brand after a controversy has emerged to minimize damage and regain public trust, such as issuing apologies, addressing concerns, and making changes.