Advertising is a form of paid, public communication used to inform and motivate consumers about products, services, ideas, and organizations. The goal is to change consumer behavior and persuade people to take a desired action, like purchasing a product. Advertisements provide information to help consumers make better choices, but critics argue they also manipulate tastes and impede competition by making products seem more differentiated than they are. Supporters counter that advertising enhances market efficiency by conveying price and product information and allowing new firms to more easily attract customers.