Why Brands Are Selling You Friendship in the Belonging Economy
Discover how brands like Panera, Peloton, and Ben & Jerry’s are turning loneliness into loyalty by selling community, identity, and the illusion of connection.
Summer’s Almost Here—and Marketers Want You to Hate Yourself
As May begins, marketers shift into full gear, using shame and seasonal anxiety to sell summer readiness. From deodorant fear to detox diets, discover how the FADS formula fuels the pressure—and how to push back.
Primp or Perish
Explore how men’s grooming turned into marketing’s newest battlefield, leveraging shame and redefining masculinity. Are today’s men primping for pleasure or fear?
Micro-Influencers in 2025
Brands are shifting back to celebrity influencers—so what happens to micro-influencers? Discover how data-driven strategies balance reach, authenticity, and sustainability in influencer marketing.
Super Bowl LIX: FADS on Full Display
Dive into our annual FADS analysis of Super Bowl ads. Explore how brands use Food, Alcohol, Drugs, and Sex to shape behavior, spark trends, and extend their reach beyond TV to social media.
2024 in Review: FADS in Action and What’s Coming in 2025
2024’s top marketing trends revealed—how FADS shaped us and what’s next for 2025, from AI to rebranded vices.
Algorithmic Addiction: The Digital Fix
In 2025, the question won\’t be whether algorithms will shape our digital lives—they already do—but how we can shape them in return.
Meme culture meets marketing and why Gen Z loves it
Discover why Dunkin’s cheeky Spider Donut’s flirty takeover is more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a marketing masterclass.
The Smell of Shame
Explore how shame-based marketing has fueled all-over body deodorant sales for decades, and discover the growing movement encouraging body acceptance.
The Hidden Power of the Middle
Learn how marketers leverage the middle to drive consumer choices, positioning balanced options to maximize profits and appeal to our desire for moderation.