Online, we’re being sold things every second. There’s a new advertisement with each scroll—even if a post might not appear to be one at first. 

From small businesses vying for an ounce of Instagram attention to licensed medical professionals offering advice on TikTok Live, community engagement in the internet space has become integral in growing one’s customer base, and not without challenges. 

Even masters of community engagement—ahem, influencers—start moral controversies when promoting certain products. Consider BetterHelp’s sponsorship meltdown or Bloom Greens ever-so-subtle influencer marketing. 

In Advertising Authenticity, the Daily Dot digs into both perspectives of the new promotion age and the ethical gray areas that constantly stir around them.

— Laiken Neumann, News Editor