The Myth of Subliminal Messaging
The idea of subliminal messages is a common piece of conspiracy theory arsenals. Various groups have been accused of implanting messages into films, music, and images in order to control the viewer's subconscious.
The fact is many of the "studies" held up as proof of this technique were outright faked, or else claims have been made without any actual scientific verification.
Furthermore, the theory that implanted messages somehow influence us more than obvious messages is based on...well, nothing. Images and messages certainly can and do influence us, but not in some weird mind-control sort of way. If you see a picture of a hotdog, will you suddenly crave a hotdog? Probably not, although you might think "Hmm, do I want a hotdog right now?" So why would embedding a momentary image of a hotdog into, say, a film, suddenly send you running for the concession stand starving for a hotdog?
Likewise, if someone said "you want to kill yourself," you're probably say "Um, no I don't, and you're pretty creepy." So why would a similar subliminal message send people diving off of bridges?
I totally agree. Your post is centered very well and I never thought of it that way before. If subliminal messages worked, then they could be a great benefit to people if we used them right. But to say the least, there is no proof that they work.
I am loving having you as the alt.religions guide so far! Keep up the great work.
A blanket statement that subliminal suggestion does not work is as fallacious as that it does work. Some people are more suggestible than others and can be influenced by the slightest pressure. Like with hypnotism, some people have more control, or are unwilling to relinquish control, than others.
You are absolutely correct; the experiments that everyone likes to sight were from the 50s & 60s when they tried flashing a few frames a second first of scorching deserts and other parched places then iced drinks beading water. The idea was that movie goers would flock to the refreshment center and buy gallons of drinks. The response was negligible no better than the chances of averaging.
With such a perfect captive audience were there any truth at all to the theory is would have bore fruit; it didn’t.
There were some positive results but those studies were muddied by adding secondary elements, like raising the temprature and adding more salt to other snacks like popcorn.
Catherine, you make good points. However I must disagree with your statements. You pose the question, “If a blatant, ‘in your face’ ad can’t get you to do something, how can a small, half-invisible one do it?”
I think your missing the main point of subliminal imagery. I’m not an expert on the matter but i’ll say this. Your subconscious mind is like the voice in you head or voice over your shoulder telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. It can influence your conscious mind, thus, your way of thinking.
I’ll give an example of how subliminal messaging works in advertisements. You walk down the street and see a huge ad that reads “Eat a Hot Dog” and shows a photo of one. You are consciously aware that your brain has retained this peice of information and can mark it for your subconcious to know that it is not a command, simply an advertisement. Before I contrast this scenario with a subliminal version of the ad, I’d first like to point out that the human subconscious is much more effective at problem solving and pattern-identifying than the human conscious mind. Advertisers know this and place hidden messages your subconscious can pick up on that sail right passed your conscious mind. Now your subconscious mind has information commanding it to eat a hotdog and now your subconscious mind will persuade your conscious mind to find and eat one.
*A side note to back my last statement: Studies have shown that the human brain can accomplish things simply with the right mindset. People who view themselves as stronger or healthier have been found to be so.
As I Psychology Major, with a Media degree, I can tell you all that Many control studies have been done that show subliminal messages have no direct effect.