There’s a lot of talk about sustainability and ethics these days, with many companies claiming to put people first. But while some genuinely try, the reality is that most corporations prioritize profits above all else.

To keep the money flowing, they rely on clever marketing, subtle manipulation, and outright lies—so much so that many of their ideas become so ingrained in society that we don’t even question them.

Curious about these hidden agendas, one Redditor asked others to share the most successful cases of corporate propaganda that have become widely accepted as normal. Scroll down to see what they had to say, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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#1

That suing McDonalds for spilling hot coffee on yourself is a frivolous lawsuit and an example of why corporations need more protection against lawsuits

To clarify the point–the hot coffee lawsuit was not frivolous and thinking it is is corporate propaganda.

© Photo: solicitorpenguin

#2

The idea that workers discussing their salaries is impolite.

© Photo: User

#3

Oil corporations have convinced millions of Americans that there is doubt about climate change. They used the same tactic that the tobacco industry used to sow doubt about the harmfulness of smoking cigarettes.
Cigarettes are deadly and so is climate change.
Now they have retreated to OK there is climate change but it’s just a natural cycle. That’s not what scientists say, but unfortunately for us all there are millions of Americans who believe Sean Hannity over scientists.

© Photo: CreativelySeeking

Bored Panda reached out to marketing psychologist Akash to get his take on the topic and ask whether companies can market their ideas ethically.

“Every organization or company has business ethics and a code of conduct, and they do follow it,” Akash said. “But in the end, the thing that matters most is profit. That’s the ultimate goal of every business, except for NGOs and the government.”

However, he explained that while profit is the driving force, not everything companies do is unethical. “If businesses focused only on profit, they would resort to unethical practices. But today, many companies shape consumer behavior in ways that aren’t necessarily deceptive—just strategic. Take Uber, Zomato, or Flipkart, for example. These companies didn’t exploit consumers; they identified pain points and gaps in the market and provided solutions.”

On the other hand, many corporations uphold ethics through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. “For instance, Reliance’s Vantara initiative and the Tata Group’s donations help build consumer trust while balancing ethics and profits,” Akash added.

“Ethics = Trust = Profits.”

#4

That we the consumers are at fault for all of the plastic waste in the world. It is a free rider problem — and the corporations are not paying for the harm they have done and are continuing to do to the world.

© Photo: throwaway-permanent

#5

The need for diamond engagement rings.

© Photo: kniblack

#6

Fast fashion. it needs to die. not only is it an overheating unsustainable system. it promotes waist, and you end up spending more money on them anyway in the long run. it is better to make a small wardrobe of a few well-made clothes that fit you well and will last a long time over sometimes literal plastic.

© Photo: ExaemTurkey

Akash also highlighted that a company’s success isn’t just about the market they serve—it’s about how well they tap into emotions, habits, and decision-making patterns to create an irresistible connection with their brand.

Big brands are particularly skilled at using psychology to influence consumers:

1. They make it personal. Ever seen an ad that feels like it knows you? That’s data-driven personalization at work.
2. They sell a feeling, not a product. Apple doesn’t just sell tech—it sells innovation and creativity.
3. They create urgency. Limited-time offers make people act fast.
4. They hook you with small steps. Free trials or introductory deals get customers invested.
5. They make themselves familiar. The more you see a brand, the more you trust it.
6. They remove friction. One-click checkouts make buying effortless.

#7

“Warning, this product may cause bleeding, swelling, hair loss, thoughts of s*****e depression, cancer, [rear] leakage, and death”

Meanwhile it shows a bunch of happy people playing frisbee in the park with grandma

© Photo: Steff_164

#8

American exceptionalism and individualism

Also, the idea that your work ethic (or rather how much time you give your job) is what gives you value.

© Photo: surrrah

#9

Breakfast foods are only for breakfast and that’s all you’re supposed to eat in the morning. I had clam chowder for breakfast my first day living alone at 17. [darn] the system.

© Photo: Ubermassive

#10

Planned obsolescence in technology.

whymypersonality:
You mean how most technology literally quits working every few years? Cause I’m getting sick of being literally forced to buy a new phone every 2-3 years because the old one wont turn on anymore.

© Photo: Inferi82

#11

Separate toys for boys and girls.

© Photo: Unleashtheducks

#12

The food pyramid was created in 1977 as the (heavily influenced by companies) USDA made new dietary recommendations to cut out fat and replace it with “heart healthy” starches and carbs. It actually led to a growth in obesity rates.

© Photo: xxi_tmid

#13

Valentine’s day!

© Photo: User

#14

Sorry, I keep writing these because I can’t sleep.

The whole notion that government is inefficient and incompetent, a drag on business.

I’m no communist, but there is always a role for government in a well-run economy. Business may be more efficient, but why do we focus on efficiency to the exclusion of all other considerations? What about robustness? What about fairness? Businesses are not incented to improve society, only their position within it. Government should act as counterweight to ensure a Leviathan like Amazon does not sink us.

As for the incompetence of government, all I will say is this. I’ve worked as a consultant to government and now in Big Tech. I’ve seen as much, if not more, incompetence here than I worked in the public sector.

© Photo: LongHello

#15

Y’all don’t hate me for this – US military commercials.

© Photo: mismiami97

#16

The white picket fence American dream. It was actually a propaganda campaign on the 50s to try and get women out of the workforce so men returning from war would have jobs to go back to.

© Photo: lil_bway

#17

The war on d***s.

© Photo: User

#18

Pink anything for women…

© Photo: ChangetheGame20

#19

The standard American diet.

© Photo: freedom4dads

#20

“Premium economy” seating in airplanes. It’s what regular economy seating should be.

© Photo: sampaggregator

#21

Expensive skincare.
That $300 moisturizing cream doesn’t necessarily have better ingredients than a $10 cream.

© Photo: anon

#22

The fact that sharing your salary with your colleagues in the same position as you is taboo.

Some companies I’ve worked for have gone so far as to put it in their handbook as a rule. It’s just them trying to cheap out as much as possible. Because when I bring up the fact that the new hire makes more than I do after gaining seniority, suddenly they want to be mad at me.

© Photo: reejimusprime

#23

The concept of waking up at 6-7am to go sit in a desk and be stifled of your creativity and personal experiences for 6-8 hours a day. This is an outdated system to get people trained and docile to work in factories, and now successfully causes generations of kids to be depressed.

© Photo: PandaChristinab

#24

Service charges and ATM fees at banks.

© Photo: Limp_Distribution

#25

Those who sell top cash Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. Normal cheap/store brand stuff works just as well. Just very good marketing.

NarrativeScorpion:
The vast majority of d***s have store brand varieties. People just need to learn to look at the active ingredients.

© Photo: User

#26

People eating KFC during Christmas time in Japan because of KFC’s marketing campaign that promoted their products as a traditional Western Christmas treat.

© Photo: User

#27

Women’s jeans without pockets so you have to go buy purses.

© Photo: billyandteddy

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