Final answer:
Companies and advertisers use Maslow's Hierarchy of needs to target their audiences by understanding and appealing to their specific needs and motivations. However, this can be dangerous because it can manipulate and exploit people's desires and vulnerabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Companies and advertisers use Maslow's Hierarchy of needs to target their audiences by understanding and appealing to their specific needs and motivations. They analyze the different levels of the hierarchy and create marketing strategies that align with those needs. For example, if a company is selling a product that fulfills the need for safety and security, they may highlight how their product provides protection and peace of mind.
However, this can be dangerous because it can manipulate and exploit people's desires and vulnerabilities. Advertisers may create artificial needs or insecurities in order to sell their products, leading consumers to make unnecessary purchases or focus on materialistic desires. Additionally, the constant bombardment of targeted advertisements can create a culture of consumerism and materialism, where people prioritize their wants over their actual needs.