This document discusses the economic, social, ethical, and regulatory aspects of advertising. It addresses the economic impact of advertising on GDP, product value, prices, competition and consumer demand. It also examines ethical issues in advertising around advocacy, accuracy and targeting. Common criticisms include deception, subliminal messages, artificial demand creation and use of appeals. Government regulations aim to protect privacy, restrict advertising to children and control tobacco, alcohol and drug ads. Major regulating agencies are the Federal Trade Commission which oversees deceptive and unfair ads, and the Food and Drug Administration which regulates health product claims.