• Question: is subliminal messaging wrong?

    Asked by to Daren, Lynne, Phillip, Simon on 24 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Lynne Thomas

      Lynne Thomas answered on 24 Jun 2014:

      I think we subconsciously absorb information all of the time. There is a lot of product placement that goes on in TV shows and films all the time for instance. But it very much depends on what the subliminal messaging is trying to do and how it is being used – there would certainly need to be very strict regulations in place.

    • Photo: Daren Fearon

      Daren Fearon answered on 24 Jun 2014:

      Our brains are amazing things and can absorb information even when we don’t realise it or aren’t actively focussing on something:
      http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn1476-subliminal-study-shows-subconscious-learning-is-possible.html#.U6moUI1dWwk

      I think that exploiting this to sell things or make us want to do something that we wouldn’t otherwise is unethical, but it does happen, and it can work :
      http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/6232801/Subliminal-advertising-really-does-work-claim-scientists.html

      I agree with Lynne that this should be strictly regulated, particularly in public spaces. If it is in a movie or a TV show we are watching, then we chose to watch it and can’t complain too much.

    • Photo: Phillip Manning

      Phillip Manning answered on 24 Jun 2014:

      Subliminal messaging is no longer allowed in advertising, but the power of suggestion is used in almost every walk of life…especially in advertising.

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 25 Jun 2014:

      Very good question!
      Obviously I agree with Lynne that subliminal messages on the radio +
      Television should be controlled because it’s not very
      Ethical. Although, it can be used in really interesting ways
      Just think about how Derren Brown does most of his tricks. He tries to
      Exploit subliminal messaging and suggestive images without people
      Noticing to control what his victims think and do.
      Not only this but anybody can have a go at putting hidden messages in
      You can even use it to try to get votes!

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