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 a certain type of communication designed to escape the ordinary margins of the perception, that is, not to be perceived consciously, but automatically and, therefore, unprepared.
This type of hidden or secret messages are supposed to be perceived by the human unconscious, concealed within apparently harmless content, such as a song, a cartoon or a spot advertising.
Subliminal messages can be written, audible or visual, such as a sound seemingly imperceptible within a song, an image concealed within a He drew, or a fast frame within a movie.
The incorporation of these encrypted messages can be done for advertising purposes, to secretly encourage the consumption of a product, or for the purpose of mass manipulation of the conduct, like encouraging a feeling or instilling an idea in the masses expressly.
However, opinions regarding the effectiveness of this type of techniques are found. The majority scientific opinion is that they are not techniques that actually 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 related to emotions or thoughts negative, as long as the subjects are exposed to them continuously or repeatedly.
The Subliminal publicity, that is to say, the use of subliminal messages for advertising purposes is sanctioned and prohibited in some legal codes that regulate the matter, and is considered a little ethics promotion of consumption.
Examples of subliminal messages
The A-Style company admitted that the sexual message in its logo was intentional.Some cases of reporting subliminal messages are the following:
- In the Disney animated film The rescuers (also called Bernardo and Bianca) of 1977, showed an image of a naked woman in a window visible for only a few frames. The business responded to the complaints claiming that it 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 was accused of subliminally inducing sex, since it imitates a couple in full intercourse. However, the company claimed that the content of the logo was absolutely intentional.
- Advertising frames were allegedly included to benefit Coca-Cola in various theaters in the United States in 1957, in what is known as the experiment by James Vicary. However, this has been denied on various occasions.