Exploring the effects of false advertising on consumer trust and brand loyalty

Advertising has always been one of the strongest tools for shaping how people see brands and for guiding consumer choices. But in today’s crowded and competitive markets, where audiences are bombarded with endless messages, false advertising has become a serious problem. It not only damages trust but can also weaken brand loyalty in ways that last for years. This thesis looks closely at how false advertising affects trust and loyalty, with a special focus on the role of digital media in making these effects stronger—or sometimes weaker. It explores the psychology behind how consumers respond to deception, the challenges businesses face when trust is broken, and the strategies that can help rebuild it. By studying both failures and success stories, this research offers practical insights for brands that want to advertise responsibly and build lasting relationships with their audiences.