c) Psychological advertising

During the Progressive Era, companies began to use an innovative approach known as psychological advertising, significantly influencing consumer culture. This strategy, emerging alongside the growing field of psychology, focused on understanding and appealing to consumers’ emotions, desires, and subconscious needs. Advertisers sought to create brand loyalty and influence purchasing decisions by tapping into the psychological aspects of consumer behavior. This marked a departure from straightforward product advertisements, leading to more sophisticated and persuasive marketing techniques. The adoption of psychological advertising reflects the era’s broader trends of scientific advancement and modernization, and its impact is still evident in today’s consumer culture.