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Predatory Emoticon Ads

These Internet Safety Ads Show Haunting Faces Behind Smiley Emoticons

— July 13, 2015 — Tech
Web company Baidu teamed up with Y&R Shanghai to create these Internet safety ads to promote online security software. The ads present simple images of popular keyboard-created emoticons that reveal faces of online predators peering out from behind the seemingly innocent smiles.

The cute smiley face that is created using a colon and one rounded bracket looks innocent and is used often on the web. However, these ads completely change the meaning of this form of Internet communication and encourage people to be aware of online dangers.

It is vital for society to realize that online threats can be just as dangerous as physical threats. There are many ways to stay protected online and these Internet safety ads aim to educate people to subscribe to online safety services and protect their internet identities and their computers.
Trend Themes
1. Online Safety Education - Similar ad campaigns and educational initiatives can be created to promote online safety and security software to protect internet identities and computers.
2. Emoticon Marketing - Using emoticons in ad campaigns can be a creative way to grab the audience's attention and create an emotional response.
3. Cyber Threat Awareness - Creating ads that highlight the dangers of cyber threats and encourage people to take necessary precautions can help raise cyber threat awareness.
Industry Implications
1. Internet Security Software - Internet security software companies can take advantage of this ad campaign to promote their products and services.
2. Advertising - Ad agencies can create similar emoticon-based ads for other industries and products to create an emotional connection with the audience.
3. Cybersecurity Consulting - Consulting firms that specialize in cybersecurity can leverage this ad campaign to offer their services to companies and individuals seeking to protect their online identity and assets.
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