Write@Home
Winter 2015

Technology

Woman hands taking a picture of a coffee cup with smart phone and laptop at a coffee shop.

I came across an advertisement in a newspaper for a new smartphone model. The ad features a stunning image of a picture taken with the phone camera with a crystal-clear display showing vivid colors. The background depicts a serene beach scene with turquoise water, white sand, and a bright, clear sky. Palm trees gently sway, and the scene looks almost too perfect to be real.

Upon closer inspection, it's evident that the image has been heavily altered. The most apparent change is the enhancement of the phone's display. The colors on the screen are unnaturally vibrant, likely boosted using photo editing software to make the display appear more attractive. The background scene seems to be a composite image, created by blending multiple photographs. The beach, water, and sky have been seamlessly stitched together, with lighting and shadows meticulously adjusted to maintain a consistent look. Additionally, the palm trees appear unnaturally perfect, with no imperfections or blemishes, suggesting they've been edited or entirely digitally created.

While such alterations are common in advertising to make products look more appealing, they can be misleading. Consumers might be disappointed if the actual product does not match the enhanced version shown in the ad. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction. While I understand the intent to present the product in the best possible light, there should be a balance to ensure that the depiction remains honest and truthful. Advertisers should aim to highlighting genuine features and benefits rather than relying solely on digital enhancements to sell a product.