Many people could depict this commercial in a variety of ways. I analyzed it using ideological, autobiographical, non-verbal and production element methods.

From an ideological standpoint, Verizon Wireless is advertising that everyone is so into their technology that they are incapable of communicating with their family. Also, it seems to show that people only socialize with the people within their phone and ignore those around them. This commercial shows how it must be frustrating for parents who do have children who cannot set down their phone for 5 minutes to have a normal conversation. I think the role reversal was a smart choice because kids viewing the commercial may put themselves into their parents' shoes the next time a situation like the one depicted occurs. The family is shown to be an average family- not rich or not poor- which would target more of the public and let people know that everyday people have these phones that get Twitter and Facebook updates as well as are great for text messaging.

From my perspective, this commercial is somewhat rude. It seems like they are making fun of kids for being so attached to their cell phone but they are exaggerating the situation to make a point. This can make adults who don't have kids or who aren't around kids often believe that is how they truly behave (how the parents in the commercial are acting). On the other hand, a person may look at it from another view point and claim Verizon is saying adults/parents are getting into the texting as well as social networking hype. I personally think the role reversal was a smart choice because it creates humor, which then you are more likely to remember later on. Even if you don't have Verizon Wireless as a cell phone provider, it may create a positive reputation of them in your eyes. The children are embarrassed by their parents, which I can relate to. My parents both have Facebook and I can relate. My dad is friends with many of my friends and he likes to comment on their status or pictures. At least all of my friends and classmates think he is a hilarious guy so it doesn't bother me too much.

There are many non-verbal elements to analyze this commercial from. First, the parents don't look up the entire time that their kids are talking to them, ignoring every word they say. Also, the mom holds up her hand as to say "hold on" to her daughter because she is texting and too busy to listen to her. Also, the father is practically laying down in his chair because he is slouched down so much. This shows he doesn't care, he is comfortable and he doesn't feel the need to be taken seriously. It is strange that even though the parents are acting like kids and the kids like the parents, they are still dressed in normal attire. It makes me wonder why they didn't have the parents dress more trendy and the kids more conservative. It may be because the commercial's purpose was to show are parents are getting into the new texting and online technology instead of making fun of teens (the way I perceive it).

Analyzing the production elements is difficult for this commercial. There are no special effects or obvious editing that took place. I do find it odd that the creators of the commercial took on the view point that they did. It almost seems that Verizon is making fun and bashing their own technology. They show that cell phones are becoming a problem within families. You would think they would want to give off a positive attitude towards cell phones instead of a negative one.

This was just a simple analysis of this particular commercial; with more people's opinions included it could be much more in-depth and have an array of viewpoints.