The impact of “pinkwashed” alcohol advertisements on attitudes and beliefs: A randomized experiment with US adults

by

Marissa G. Hall a.o ; Addictive Behaviours, Vol. 252; May 2024

Abstract

Objective

To examine the impact of alcohol advertisements related to breast cancer awareness or charities (i.e., pinkwashed ads) on attitudes and beliefs.

Methods

In 2023, an online experiment randomized 602 US adults to view three pinkwashed ads for beer, wine, and liquor, or three standard ads for the same products.

Results

Breast cancer risk perceptions (average differential effect [ADE] = 0.03; p = 0.58)) and intentions to purchase the advertised product (ADE = -0.01, p = 0.95) did not differ by ad type. When informed about the link between alcohol and breast cancer, participants who viewed pinkwashed ads reported the ads were more misleading (ADE = 0.51, p < 0.001) and had stronger support for requiring alcohol breast cancer warnings (ADE = 0.23, p < 0.001). The pinkwashed ads for beer (but not for wine or liquor) led to greater: perceived product healthfulness (ADE = 0.16, p = 0.03), perceived social responsibility of the company (ADE = 0.18, p = 0.02), and favorable brand attitudes (ADE = 0.14, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Informing the public about pinkwashing increases perceptions of misleadingness and support for alcohol policies.

Policy implications

Exposing the industry practice of pinkwashing could be a promising theme for campaigns to reduce alcohol consumption and increase support for alcohol policies.

Posted in: 3. Literature on the influence of alcohol marketing and sponsorship on the drinking behavior of special (risk) groups (incl. marketing at women).

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