In an effort to protect children and promote healthier lifestyles, digital food marketing might be limited in the future. If you're like me, you just reached for another cup of coffee and asked, "What?"
The Center for Digital Democracy has written a 98-page report on the practices of food marketers on cell phones, digital video, social networks, games and virtual worlds.
The CDD plans to present the report to the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday, the eve of an FTC deadline for public comment on food marketers' tactics to reach children across all media.
The Center for Digital Democracy has written a 98-page report on the practices of food marketers on cell phones, digital video, social networks, games and virtual worlds.
The CDD plans to present the report to the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday, the eve of an FTC deadline for public comment on food marketers' tactics to reach children across all media.
The report, called Interactive Food & Beverage Marketing: Targeting Children and Youth, was commissioned by the Berkeley Media Studies Group. It highlights new types of digital media marketing by food and beverage companies. Such tactics include food company-created viral videos on YouTube and fast-food characters posing as "friends" on the teen hangout MySpace.
With new technology developing faster than the weeds in my garden, it's no surprise that digital ads are influencing our children's lives. It's important to teach the kids to be responsible for their own eating and health. I still remember jingles from the early days of television that promoted products. I am glad that there are groups that work on keeping the world as safe as possible for our kids. Teaching kids to make responsible choices is the best safeguard. Who knows what advances technology is making while we are busy living life?