Marketing- who are you REALLY trying to reach?

I have watched a few TV shows in my day, and I can't help but notice all those "stupid" Truth ads. Somehow, as much as I hate them, I can't help but watch them and think to myself- wow, who are cigarette companies really gearing themselves towards? And not just cigarette companies, any company for that matter.

We all know you cannot legally drink until the age of 21, so why does Bud Light have singing frogs that would clearly attract a younger crowd? It is obvious- because before a company even thinks to sell a product, they think to pound their name brand into your head. Do I have Geico auto insurance? No, I'm not old enough- but the talking gecco really makes me want it over All State, where instead they show accidents happening. (that scares me almost) So even though I don't own any of them, in the companies minds they have succeeded, by just engulfing me with ads to the point where I feel like I would be able to make a decision on which insurance I'd want. (When clearly my decision is based on a little green talking lizzard.)

All this makes me wonder, how is the success of a company measured? It cannot be completely net profit, it must be - in large part, advertising. Or can it? One of the most successful companies yet is Wal Mart, and I can tell you their commercials spark no sense of emotion in me what so ever. In fact, I'd go as far as to say in my mind they are one of Wal Marts greatest flaws.
How are we supposed to live normal lives when the average person sees over hundreds of ads per day and while doing so forms habitual opinions? How are we not supposed to form bonds with some companies and gain bias opinions against others based soley on how they choose to represent theselves on national television?