Marketing often has a bad rap, and rightfully so. Have you ever made a purchase because of some fast-talking salesperson and not regretted it? That is because, more often than not, engaging in marketing means engaging in lies and manipulation. The central lie is convincing you that you need whatever they’re selling. The manipulation? It’s in the play on your emotions. Whether it’s creating a false sense of urgency through manufactured scarcity or positioning their product as a lifestyle you should aspire to, the goal remains the same. The solution is simple: steer clear of heavily marketed products.