Is the Public Swayed more by New Ideas than by Good Ones?

The public is swayed more by new ideas than by good ones.
Describe a specific situation in which the public might be swayed more by a good idea than by a new one. Discuss what you think determines whether the public will be swayed by new ideas or by good ones.
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Living in a society driven by consumerism, many Americans go into debt to keep up with the Jones'. US society revolves around purchasing items to make one feel better---especially things that will make one look younger and wealthier. Ubiquitous ads on billboards, tv and the internet lure audiences to follow fads that promise something better in their mundane lives. Unfortunately, many people view "new" as "better" and buy into claims which often do not materialize into what has been promised. Indeed, once new ideas or fads have been worn out, the good idea will stand the test of time. However, as long as the consumer culture prevails, new ideas will hold sway over proven, good ideas.

New ideas are especially alluring to people because they often promise short cuts. People, in general, do not want to work for their goals. Dieting fads are a classic example of people being swayed by new ideas. Some companies promise potential clients that they can lose weight by continuing to eat what they want to without exercising---as long as they purchase and consume a certain pill. Many people who wish to lose weight do not want to do so using the only proven, albeit difficult way---that is, by eating less and exercising more. People's penchant for taking an easy route allows so-called diet pioneers to attract new clientele year after year.

The end of the 20th century also realized the popularity of mood-altering pills--short cuts for dealing with emotional pain. There was an upsurge in depression diagnoses among the US people and psychiatrists began prescribing anti-anxiety and depression pills, such as Xanax. Patients did not want to face their inner demons and viewed the pills as a way to escape reality and feel better. Many studies, however, point to adverse side effects of using chemicals to treat mental disorders and perhaps, long term side effects are yet unknown since these pills have not been in use for an extended period of time. Like diet pills, mood-altering pills are a quick fix. Undoubtedly, certain pills have been very beneficial in saving people's lives. However, one would not go out on a limb in stating that these pills have been abused and are not necessarily the best or healthiest solution to dealing with one's problems.


Perhaps people, in general, know what is best for them inside. However, new ideas and promises tend to be irresistible---especially if good ideas require perseverance and energy and new ideas provide a short cut. Some people are not easily swayed by fads but these constitute the minority of a population---people that are confident with themselves and realize that achieving a goal may require some hard work. However, in a consumer society where one is never good enough and could always use some improvement, people will always be encouraged to try the next best thing and buy into fads.