Final answer:
Not marketing to children could lead to changes in consumption patterns, less commercialization of childhood, and potentially healthier lifestyle choices. In the short term, industries that rely on child consumers might experience financial impacts, while in the long term, children may develop interests not shaped by targeted marketing, influencing their values and self-identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we did not market to children, several significant changes might occur. Firstly, children's purchasing habits would likely be less influenced by marketing strategies designed specifically to appeal to them, potentially leading to different consumption patterns and affecting industries that rely on child-focused marketing. Over time, this could lead to a reduction in the commercialization of childhood, where children's value systems might be less shaped by consumerist messages, leading them to find fulfillment beyond material possessions.
In the short term, companies that rely heavily on child consumers might see a decline in sales. This could result in financial losses and potentially shift market priorities to target other demographic groups more heavily. The toy and fast food industries, for instance, might downsize or adapt their business models. In the long term, the absence of child-targeted marketing may foster an environment where children develop different interests and hobbies that are not as influenced by the latest marketed trends.
Moreover, without aggressive marketing to children, parents may find it easier to focus on promoting healthier lifestyle choices. Children would potentially develop brand preferences based on genuine interest or quality rather than exposure to marketing. This can also be seen as contributing to a healthier development of self-identity and values, not predicated on consumerist ideals. Consequently, generations growing up without targeted marketing to children might cultivate a different set of priorities and values.