• Abstract

    Deceptive advertising, characterized by the dissemination of misinformation to consumers, poses significant challenges to consumer welfare and market integrity. This study tries to explore the academic landscape surrounding deceptive advertising over the past three decades through a systematic bibliometric analysis. Leveraging data from Elsevier's Scopus database, this study maps the trajectory of deceptive advertising literature from 1993 to 2023, identifying key publication trends, influential authors, journals, institutions and countries. It also delves into the realm of deceptive advertising, analyzing author-generated keywords and the dynamic landscape of emerging research trends within this domain. Through quantitative analysis and visualization using VOSviewer, the paper investigates the evolution of scholarly interest in deceptive advertising, prominent publications and thematic clusters. Findings reveal distinct phases in research activity, from nascent interest to heightened scrutiny, reflecting the dynamic nature of deceptive advertising practices. Notable publications and authors are highlighted, along with the global distribution of research contributions and collaborative networks. Emerging research themes, including ethical considerations, technological solutions and regulatory challenges, underscore the interdisciplinary nature of deceptive advertising research. Our findings reveal a significant growth in scholarly interest, reflecting the escalating concern over deceptive practices in advertising and their implications for consumers, businesses, and regulatory frameworks. The analysis uncovers the multidisciplinary nature of the research, with contributions spanning marketing, law, psychology and information technology, indicating the complex and multifaceted approach required to address deceptive advertising effectively. This study not only provides a comprehensive overview of literature but also lays the groundwork for future research aimed at developing innovative strategies to combat deceptive practices and protect consumer rights.

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Sangeetha, K. L., Pynadath, M., & Bhaumik, A. (2024). From seduction to deception: A bibliometric perspective on the evolution of deceptive advertising. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(4), 2025107. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025107
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