Question

Consider that a large online company that provides a widely used search engine, social network, and/or news service is considering banning ads for the following products and services from its site: e-cigarettes, abortion clinics, ice cream, and sugared soft drinks. Which, if any, do you think they should ban? Give reasons. In particular, if you select some but not all, explain the criteria for distinguishing.

Answer 1

Answer:

I think that they should ban ads for all four products.  These products, e-cigarettes, abortion clinics, ice cream, and sugared soft drinks, are all discreet adult products that should not be advertised because of their health hazards.  Since the "large online company provides a widely used search engine, social network, and/or news service, which are mainly patronized by younger people, such ads that promote products injurious to individual health should be banned.  Those who really need or want these products know where they could get them.  Therefore, the products should not be made easily accessible to all people.  Nor, should ads promote their patronage among the general population.

Explanation:

Advertisements create lasting and powerful images which glamourize some products, thereby causing the general population, especially children, to want to consume them without any discrimination of their health implications.  If online banning is then contemplated, there should not be any distinguishing among the four products: e-cigarettes, abortion clinics, ice cream, and sugared soft drinks.