Which appeal does the Honey Nut Cheerios ad use when it encourages giving oneself something special?

The correct answer highlights how the Honey Nut Cheerios ad uses persuasion by encouraging viewers to indulge in a moment of self-care, suggesting that they deserve something special. This strategy is rooted in the idea of moving from a commonly accepted idea—eating a healthier diet or cereal—to a more personal and subjective sentiment, which is less universally endorsed and can seem questionable.

By promoting the idea that one deserves to treat themselves, the ad transitions from a general acceptance of healthful eating to a more dubious claim that indulging in their product is a justified and beneficial choice. This effectively employs a tactic that invokes personal justification, in which individuals are encouraged to overlook potential reservations about treat foods in favor of self-indulgence.

This approach captures an emotional resonance that often bypasses critical scrutiny, appealing to a personal desire for reward and luxury, which connects the product to feelings of well-being and personal enjoyment. This makes the ad effective in persuading consumers by suggesting that they treat themselves, thus enhancing their emotional connection to the product.