Does advertising in an oligopoly result in losses to consumers?

Delora Struzzi: Advertising is necessary because one company must convince their consumer's that the product they are selling is either superior or cheaper than their competes even if the products they are selling are near identical. Gasoline companies constantly barrage television with their advertisements in order to accomplish this task.

Cecil Derenzi: In terms of pure money, it is a loss.But there is a benefit of variety, which gives people an opportunity to express themselves, to feel part of a subculture. Do you think consumers would be happier if soda was a bland generic product like sugar or milk?