Is subliminal advertising unethical

Conveying hidden messages of which viewers are not consciously aware of is known as subliminal advertising. Advertisers intentionally use subliminal messages even though this strategy poses serious ethical issues, particularly because they can manipulate consumer behavior. This method also poses serious legal threats and consumer backlash.

Advertisers more often than not associate their products with happiness or ease. Most of the time consumers are unaware of consuming content as advertisements are omnipresent. But with subliminal strategies, the aim of the ad is to let the consumer be oblivious to the fact that they are consuming content. 

Subliminal ads aim to make the customers feel that their product will improve the life of the consumer. An attempt to subvert free will and unconsciously direct decision into the realm of unethically increasing sales.  

It is believed by many professionals that subliminal advertising is unethical because it takes away free will and discredits the power of choice that the customer has. In other marketing techniques, the customer has the choice to evaluate and compare the benefits as well as alternatives.  

Whereas, in subliminal advertising, the choice is gauged from the hands of the customer which is considered extremely unethical and frowned upon. It is the foul play of the advertising world.