Man complaining about his city in ingenious tourist ad is a must-watch [Video]

Reverse psychology is a powerful tool in advertising. By telling someone “don’t imagine a green apple,” they can’t help but picture it. Advertisers use this technique to great effect, presenting arguments opposite to their intent to attract viewers. VisitOslo‘s new viral ad, posted just a day ago, brilliantly employs this strategy. It kicks off with the ironic line, “I wouldn’t want to come here to be honest.”

Narrated by 31-year-old Oslo resident Halfdan (played by Bendik Lysvåg), the ad is being called an “anti-ad.” Full of irony and dry Norwegian humor, Halfdan walks through Oslo’s highlights while humorously pointing out its “downsides.”