Have you ever wondered how subliminal messages work?
You may have heard stories of how advertising companies make use of briefly flashed split second messages in film and video commercials to make us buy their products. You probably know of people who insist that there is secret sexual imagery in print and video advertising and sub-audible messages in self-help audiotapes that can help us to be more motivated.
Most of us have heard that in years gone by barely audible messages were included in rock music that caused those listening to it to buy things they didn't want before, stop smoking or even take their own lives!
How subliminal messages work or if they work at all is a contentious issue among many experts and laypeople.
Is it really possible that these hidden, split-second messages can influence our behavior and perhaps even control our minds? Is it possible that such messages are even more effective than the 'in your face' promotions that we are all very much aware of.
* The concept of influencing people subliminally refers to using hidden messages or masked stimuli to manipulate and influence viewers. These subliminal messages are designed to cause them to behave in ways in which they 'normally' wouldn't.
* In recent years there has been much discussion and debate as to the truth of subliminal advertising and how subliminal messages work, much of it carried out and promoted by Wilson Bryan Key (1973, 1976, 1980, 1990), a former professor at the University of Western Ontario, and staunch believer in a major conspiracy amongst advertisers and product manufacturers to manipulate the consumer through subliminal methods.
* There is a rapidly growing $50-million per year market in subliminal self-help audio tapes and these appear to produce a multitude of testimonials to their effectiveness in promoting for example weight loss, breast enlargement, improvement in sexual function, self-esteem, and even improved bowling scores!
