Advertising is a driving force in our society. It keeps us informed of new products and keeps consumers socially connected. Both print and digital advertising have strengths, including the ability to promote brands, connect consumers with new products and services, and most importantly, foster innovation. The problem with advertising lies in overconsumption. With social media ads taking the world by storm in advertising it is even more essential that consumers understand the mechanisms that drive their choices and buying habits, such as psychological triggers, social influence, and personal preferences. Marie Della Thomas has over 30 years of experience in Advertising Publishing, working with Fortune 500 and 100 corporations. In 2009, she launched Marie Della Thomas and Associates, assisting NYC publishing, with Disney Publishing Worldwide as her first client. She later returned to Disney as a Consultant, optimizing advertising billing for four major publications. Her career began at Times Mirror Magazines, where she worked for a decade. After receiving awards for her business leadership and community service, Marie now finds fulfillment in teaching at Baruch College, where she earned a BA and MA in Corporate Communications. She is currently pursuing an EdD in Education at National University. As a full-time Lecturer and Communication Specialist, she teaches Business and Professional Speech Communication, inspiring students with her corporate experiences. Marie's ultimate goal is to equip students with the necessary skills and tools to ensure they have a bright future in business. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx