What emotional response is a key feature of an effective PSA?

The effectiveness of a public service announcement (PSA) largely hinges on its ability to resonate emotionally with the audience. Strong engagement of audience feelings ensures that viewers or listeners not only notice the message but also feel compelled to reflect on it and take action. By eliciting emotions such as empathy, fear, or hope, a PSA can create a personal connection between the viewer and the topic, making the message more memorable and impactful.

In contrast, trivial amusement may distract from the seriousness of the issue being addressed, and indifference to the message completely undermines the purpose of a PSA, which is to provoke thought and inspire change. While intellectual stimulation can be beneficial, it often does not foster the deep emotional connection that drives audiences toward action, making emotional engagement the most critical element for effectiveness in this context.