Advertising can remind people that a product exists and it can create a sense of urgency with limited-time offers. It also shapes what we think is normal or fashionable. Sometimes people buy things they do not really need because the advert looked appealing.

I do not think they always do. Companies want to sell, so they show the best angles and they may leave out weaknesses. There are rules in many countries, but clever wording can still mislead people who do not read the small print.

Online ads can target specific groups based on age, location, or interests. People also spend a lot of time on phones and laptops, so messages appear many times a day. It is easy to click straight through to a shop, which television cannot always match.

I expect there will be more personalised messages using data from apps and devices. Virtual reality or artificial intelligence could make adverts feel more interactive. Governments may also introduce stricter rules about privacy and about what can be shown to children.

I partly agree because young children cannot judge whether an advert is fair. They might pester parents for unhealthy food or expensive toys. A complete ban is hard to enforce online, but limits during children's programmes seem reasonable.