Does advertising have a harmful or beneficial effect on society?

Advertising has both positive and negative effects, but I think it's generally beneficial. It helps consumers discover products they might not know about otherwise, which is especially useful in a fast-paced city like Shanghai. For example, I recently came across a video ad for a new design tool that I ended up using at work-it saved me a lot of time on a project. At the same time, ads can create pressure to buy things you don't really need. I've noticed how short-video platforms like Douyin push trendy items, making you feel like you're missing out if you don't get them. So, while advertising can be informative and helpful, it's important to stay mindful of its influence.