Analyzing Purpose and Audience in Consumer Critique

In the following excerpt from an article critiquing modern consumer culture, the author provides a detailed analysis of how marketing strategies manipulate consumer behavior:

'In today's hyper-commercialized society, advertisements do not merely promote products—they craft identities. Through targeted campaigns, consumers are not just presented with choices; instead, they are led to believe that their self-worth is inextricably linked to consumption. This rhetorical maneuvering, enabled by advanced data analytics, calls into question the ethics of consumer manipulation and the implications on personal autonomy.'

Based on this excerpt, which of the following best describes the author's purpose and intended audience?