I would say benefit. If we are talking about "for the advertiser" this is obvious. Advertising would have stopped a long time ago if it was harmful to business. I'm assuming you mean to the viewer/listener. If it were not for advertising, we would have to pay for radio and TV. Granted cable was originally advertisement free, but in order to cover rising costs, and expected production value, they added a little bit advertising, and it grew from there. I'd say that advertising helps keep costs down, and the quality up.

Web developers need to make money some how.

I think ads are important to the social society. Ponder this, if there were no ads how would you find out the latest deals or new offers?!? How would you find out about new stores. What good is the world without an ad for a lost dog or new TV show?

The ads can benefit the society by sponsoring charitary activities, TV shows, cutural events. Also, the large companies often link the product image with meaningful messages, such as soap with personal hygiene, advertisements of motobike attached to the eductional programs about the traffic awareness.

I think advertising is beneficial. Advertisements tell us about useful new products.

They brighten our lives with music and colour. They increase the demand , stimulate industry and so keep price down.

Maybe the way it advertise and the effect that could bring to consumer. Some businesses are simply putting and adverts mainly on the brand name alone.

Fairly beneficial both to advertiser and customer. I have seen several advertisements on products or services that I've needed that has prompted some research and ultimate hiring/purchasing which I would not have heard of otherwise if not for the ad.