Advertisers use what is known as the Low Attention Processing Model.[1] With this particular advertising strategy, brand information, and even an emotional attachment to a brand, can be 'acquired' at low and even zero attention levels using implicit learning.[2] Implicit learning cannot analyse or re-interpret anything. The information goes directly to the subconscious mind.
Depending on the message, this can be positive or detrimental to our well-being, and it puts into question how much free-agency we are really exercising in our lives. The fact we are silently influenced by ambient images and messages around us was the inspiration for these posters I designed: http://zenpusher.com
Basically, if anyone is going to advertise to my subconscious mind, it's going to be me. And I'd rather acquire positive habits and character traits than an emotional connection to a product.
[1] http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPag...