Pseudoscience refers to practices that appear scientific in nature but are really incompatible with scientific research or methods. A good modern example of this would be astrology or the practice of reading horoscopes, as it presents itself as rooted in science, but it is really "based on an unproven premise."
Health related practices that can be deemed as pseudoscientific include hypnotherapy, acupuncture and reflexology, as well as spiritual practices such as Feng Shui. While it may be socially and cultural accepted that these practices have benefits for the mind and body, there is a consistent "lack of clear evidence based on traditional scientific methods."
In terms of advertising, both on TV and in physical settings, the use of pseudoscientific terms can be dangerous and misinforming. Though there are specific laws such as the 'Joint Health Claims Initiative' (JHCI, 2005) which make it necessary for scientific claims in food adverts - for instance, to be "assessed based on scientific evidence" as not to mislead consumers - there are still loopholes in some advertising methods.
By using scientific jargon, which is often seen in cosmetic and food advertising, companies can lure in customers and make a pretty profit. Though some of their scientific claims may be routed in actual research (as not to flag as misinforming audiences) the labelling of products as 'scientifically proven' to be superior to their counterparts borders on pseudoscientific. This has become even more prevalent with the increase of 'naturally sourced' products which are free of 'parabens' and 'artificial additives.' Unless you were in the lab when they were created, how can you ever trust what these companies tell you?
