Advertising is a paid, non-personal form of communication used to promote ideas, products, or services. The objectives of advertising include introducing new products to convince customers to try them, retaining existing customers, and winning back customers who have switched to competitors. Advertising provides benefits like employment opportunities and economic growth while allowing consumers to learn about and compare products. However, critics argue that advertising increases product prices and can confuse consumers with similar claims. Overall, while some criticisms exist, advertising plays an important role in modern business by facilitating communication with customers.