Whether it’s TV, radio, social media, even road signs along I-35, Americans now face the reality that this country is bought with advertisements. In a world where consumers have constant pressure of advertisements wherever they go, fast food companies are some of the largest competition.  In fact, according to Ad Age, fast food companies spent an enormous $4.6 billion on advertising in 2012.

These fast food companies have shifted away from adults, now focused on the youth and teen audience. Nearly every fast food company offers some sort of kid’s meal; whether it’s a Happy Meal from McDonalds or Subway’s Fresh Fit Kids Meal, fast food companies are aiming for youth. Furthermore, Prevention Institute stated that food and beverage companies spend $2 billion marketing to children per year and $5 million per day.

Sophomore Ashley Baker stated, “I definitely notice ads selling fast food products. I think it’s nearly impossible to go anywhere or do anything without ads popping up nowadays. Ads are everywhere, even in Stillwater.”

These marketing strategies have been geared towards children and it appears to be working. Not only do children see an average of 4,000 food-related ads every year, but nearly 98 percent of the food-related ads children see every year are for food products high in fat, sugar and sodium, according to Prevention Institute. These companies are using social media as a way to market their products and business more.

Senior Cannon Braatz explained, “For me it’s the internet. On different social media sites I find different ads selling fast food products and that is how I learn about them. If a Stillwater club or activity is having a fundraiser at Chipotle or Jimmy John’s they use social media to spread the word. It’s really a powerful resource.”

Social Media has become a powerful tool for fast food marketing. According to USA Today, nearly three-quarters of all American adults have Facebook. Fast food companies have used that as their motivation to be more tech-friendly. As of April 19, 2016, McDonald’s had almost 64 million Facebook likes, Subway has nearly 26 million likes and Pizza Hut had 27 million likes. These numbers reflect how powerful social media can be for fast food companies on people, especially teens and youth.

“Yes I would say there is a presence of fast food on social media. It doesn’t affect me too much, but I know other people that will go to that restaurant just based on the advertising. Seeing social media grow so much in the last few years has really helped fast food companies that’s for sure,” said senior Wyatt Miller.

In a fast moving world, fast food and other food companies are growing bigger than ever. People need food they don’t have to wait for and can have at the push of a button. Fast food companies are using marketing ads to aim at people, especially teens and youth. Using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are ways these fast food companies can advertise more easily and as technology continuous to increase, don’t be surprised to see more and more ads in the future.