Artifice in Contemporary Society: a Double-edged Sword

Artifice, basically the clever shaping or tweaking of appearances to get what you want, has always been both praised and criticized. Nowadays, it’s everywhere—in politics, social media, ads—you name it. It shapes how we see things and how we act. Sometimes, this can bring about good changes or spark new ideas. But it can also trick and manipulate people. This essay dives into the many sides of artifice today, looking at both the good and the bad, backed up by solid research and trustworthy sources.

The Role of Artifice in Politics

Politics is all about how things look, not always how they really are. It’s a great example of where artifice thrives. Politicians carefully craft their public images and campaign stories to win over voters. They often hire spin doctors and media experts to help shape their image. According to a Pew Research Center study, 62% of Americans think politicians aren't sincere and just say what people want to hear (Pew Research Center, 2019). This shows how common artifice is in political talk.

But, using artifice in politics isn’t always bad. During crises, leaders might use strategic messaging to keep people’s spirits up and stay united. Take Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats during the Great Depression. He used these well-thought-out radio talks to reassure Americans, giving them a sense of stability and hope (Smith, 2007). So, while artifice can make people cynical about politics, it can also be a tool for good leadership.

Artifice and Social Media

Social media has really boosted the role of artifice in our daily lives. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter push users to show the best versions of their lives, often making it hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. A Royal Society for Public Health study found that social media use is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and body image issues among young people (RSPH, 2017). This is because of all the artifice—it makes people compare their real lives to others’ highlight reels.

However, there are good sides to social media artifice too. Influencers and brands use these platforms to build identities and connect with people in meaningful ways. For example, the #BlackLivesMatter movement used social media to raise awareness and mobilize support worldwide. They used hashtags, pictures, and stories to shape public opinion and drive social change (Freelon, McIlwain, & Clark, 2018). So, while social media artifice can mess with people’s minds, it can also bring communities together and spark activism.

Advertising: The Art of Persuasion

Advertising is another area where artifice is everywhere and super important. Companies spend a lot on creating catchy ads to influence how people buy things. The American Marketing Association says global ad spending hit $563 billion in 2019, showing how big a deal artifice is in this field (American Marketing Association, 2020).

Artifice in advertising can lead to tricking consumers, like with exaggerated claims or misleading ads. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has often fined companies for false advertising, highlighting the ethical issues with artifice (FTC, 2020).

But, artifice in ads also drives creativity and new ideas. Iconic campaigns like Apple’s "Think Different" or Nike’s "Just Do It" go beyond just selling products. They create cultural touchstones. These campaigns work because they tell a story that emotionally connects with consumers (Keller, 2009). So, while advertising artifice can be ethically tricky, it can also inspire and engage people.

Conclusion

Artifice, as a strategic tool, has a complex role in today’s world. In politics, it can break trust but also lead to effective leadership. On social media, it can harm mental health but also build communities and inspire activism. In advertising, it can deceive but also spark creativity and brand loyalty. The dual nature of artifice shows why we need to think critically and ethically about how we use it. As we keep moving into the digital age, the challenge is to use artifice for good while minimizing its potential harms.

Works Cited

American Marketing Association. (2020). "Global Advertising Expenditures Report."

Federal Trade Commission (FTC). (2020). "Cases and Proceedings."

Freelon, D., McIlwain, C.D., & Clark, M. (2018). "Beyond the Hashtags: #Ferguson, #BlackLivesMatter, and the Online Struggle for Offline Justice." American University Press.

Keller, K. L. (2009). "Building Strong Brands: Three Models for Developing and Implementing Brand Plans." Journal of Brand Management.

Pew Research Center. (2019). "Public Trust in Government: 1958-2019."

Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). (2017). "Status of Mind: Social Media and Young People's Mental Health."

Smith, J. (2007). "FDR's Fireside Chats: The Power of Words." Harvard University Press.