We’ve all heard the old adage “sex sells” when it comes to advertising, but according to new research, that really isn’t true.

In fact, it may do the exact opposite.

A study out of Ohio State University found that advertisements containing sexual content didn’t actually translate into sales. The reason? Apparently consumers get too distracted by all the sex to remember what the ad is actually selling.

In addition, the ads put customers off from buying the product.  Similarly, ads shown during film and TV programs with sexual content also aren’t effective because viewers are less likely to remember the commercial.

I guess that means if you clicked through on this link because of the photo I posted, you're not going to retain any of this information, are you? So you're excused, the rest of you, read on...

Violence in ads is even worse than sex. Commercials that ran during violent programming were the least remembered, and evaluated least favorably than any other type of ad, with people least likely to buy a product.

“In general, we found violent and sexual programs, and ads with violent or sexual content, decreased advertising effectiveness,” read the report in the Psychology Bulletin, with researchers suggesting companies would be better off if ads were G-rated, meaning they are “appropriate for a general audience.” And probably a little boring.

Has there ever been so offended or disgusted by an ad that you refused to buy the product? Which one?

 

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