People paying money for things is a win win situation. People are not just "manipulated into giving up their money", they get something they value more than money in return.
Correction: People think they get more something they value more than the money.
It's easier to trick someone into thinking they're receiving value from you, than to actually provide that value.
But I've had this argument before, so I know the reply will be that value is defined as the feeling of receiving value, therefore they are delivering real value.
The advertisements convince them it is something they value. Most of what people buy becomes clutter and trash almost instantly.
A lot of this stuff is being purchased with debt. People aren’t happy about their debt, their inability to buy a house, or all the clutter that consumes their home. Yet, in the moment, they are led to believe that a Labubu is what they really desire. It’s not.
It's easier to trick someone into thinking they're receiving value from you, than to actually provide that value.
But I've had this argument before, so I know the reply will be that value is defined as the feeling of receiving value, therefore they are delivering real value.