We explain what a subliminal message is, its forms and objectives. Also, what evidence is there of its effectiveness and various examples.
What is a subliminal message?
Subliminal messages are true type of communication designed to escape the ordinary margins of perception that is, to not be perceived consciously, but automatically and, therefore, unprepared.
These types of hidden or secret messages are supposed to are perceived by the unconscious human, hidden within apparently harmless content, such as a song, a cartoon or a spot advertising.
Subliminal messages can be written, sound or visual, such as a seemingly imperceptible sound within a song, an image hidden within a drawing, or a fast frame within a film.
The incorporation of said encrypted messages can be done for advertising purposes to secretly encourage the consumption of a product, or for the purposes of mass manipulation of behavior like encouraging a feeling or instilling an idea in the masses expressly.
However, opinions regarding the effectiveness of this type of techniques are mixed. The majority scientific opinion is that they are not techniques that really produce a measurable or significant change in their receptors.
On the other hand, there are studies that confirm the relevance of these messages, especially those linked to negative emotions or thoughts, as long as subjects are exposed to them continuously or repeatedly.
Subliminal advertising, that is, the use of subliminal messages for advertising purposes, is sanctioned and prohibited in some legal codes that regulate the matter, and is considered an unethical form of consumer promotion.
See also: Visual communication
Examples of subliminal messages
Some cases of reporting subliminal messages are the following:
- In the Disney animated film The rescuers (also called Bernardo and Bianca) from 1977, showed the image of a naked woman in a window visible for only a few frames. The company responded to the complaints by claiming that this had been introduced by someone from the animation team and that it was not part of their plans in any case.
- The logo of the Italian fashion brand A-Style He was accused of subliminally inducing sex, as he imitates a couple in the midst of intercourse. However, the company stated that the content of the logo was absolutely intentional.
- Supposedly they would have included advertising stills to benefit Coca-cola in various theaters in the United States in 1957, in what is known as the James Vicary experiment. However, this has been denied on different occasions.
Continue with: Risks and dangers of social networks
References
- “Subliminal message” on Wikipedia.
- “Subliminal messages” in the Teaching Innovation Project of the Granada University (Spain).
- “Subliminal messages do work” on BBC Mundo.
- “10 examples of advertising and marketing with a subliminal message” in Antevenio, anticipation marketing.
- “Do subliminal messages work?” (video) in Smart by Design.
