BU504 - Integrated Marketing Communications Instructor: Michelle K. Bonny Southern States University Week 3 – Discussion Question Bruna Martins As a consumer, do you believe yourself to be highly influenced by brand communication that effectively manages messages that are aimed at presenting product(s) as part of a desirable lifestyle? Also, from this perspective, do you agree with the statement in the article that, "You can buy what’s in the photo, but what you’re really hoping to purchase is access to that lifestyle"? Explain your point of view as a consumer, with reference to your own use of, or experience with, social media platforms, such as Instagram, in which brand messages offer connections to an "ideal" or "dream" life. As a consumer, I believe I’m highly influenced by brand communication, specially on Instagram, because I’m always there, checking the news about my friends, famous people or products. Instagram is a simple way to capture and share the world’s moments. You can follow your friends and family to see what they’re up to, and discover accounts from all over the world that are sharing things you love. There is over 500 million people on Instagram and they can express themselves by sharing all the moments of the day but is also a great tool for brand communication. I totally agree with the statement in the article that says: "You can buy what’s in the photo, but what you’re really hoping to purchase is access to that lifestyle"?. I agree because Instagram make us feel like all the people in the world are enjoying their lives, make us feel like they are perfect and have a perfect life and that’s not true, so I think people buy what’s in the photo to feel a little bit like the person who is wearing or using the product, what is great to the brands, but not that good for the real people and real life. BU504 - BU504 Integrated Marketing Communications Instructor: Michelle K. Bonny Southern States University Week 1 – Discussion Question Bruna Martins My name is Bruna Spera Martins, I am 27 years old, I have a bachelor degree in Odontology and I already had some experiences studying abroad and working in the field. In 2013 I did an ESL program in San Diego-US, and I had great experiences over there. I really got to know the American culture and made American friends. That time I was 22 years old and I could notice how I got so much better as a person and how to deal with different type of things on my own. I started to study Odontology in 2010 in the Paulista University (UNIP) and while I was studying I did an internships in the field. My internship was as a dental hygienist in my family’s Dental Clinic. My job there was to see patients and help them with dental cleaning and whitening. After I had my internship experience, in 2013 I decided to study English to improve my skills and be able to do dental specific courses and programs. And it was in 2013 that I went to California, .