In subliminal messages, there are multiple items (audio/video/picture) that require relational processing. Once we know how the unconscious mind works, we can move on to explore why and how subliminal messages affect our brain neurologically. Image credits: public domain The “How” Of Subliminal Messages Your brain may be able to identify these two ‘forms’ of the same picture but it will not be able to see both forms at the same time. Perhaps (as shown in the image below) : an old woman who, if and when the perspective is changed – looks like a young girl. Meaning, imagine a picture, for instance, that could be perceived in two different ways based on how you look at it. Secondly, it is important to note that the brain can only perceive something in the way and form that it first enters our mind. ![]() ![]() This means that the way we perceive something may not be the actual reality of it. Everything we see, hear or feel goes into our unconscious but doesn’t necessarily get processed. The unconscious, on the other hand, is vast – limitless – to say the least. If we were to notice and process (consciously) everything that we see, hear or feel in a day, our brain would be far too overwhelmed and the retention of this information may be compromised. It would be beneficial to understand first that the conscious state of mind is finite. “The mind is like an iceberg, it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water.” - Sigmund Freud. This is why, before we look at the ‘what, why and how’ of subliminal priming, we must understand the theories of the unconscious state of mind, which will give a great deal of insight regarding the direct workings of a subliminal message on the brain. This would imply that by listening or looking at a subliminal message, we are gathering information or getting affected unconsciously. Primarily, subliminal messages work by nudging your unconscious. However, extensive research and scientific opinions on this subject have only emerged in the recent years. ![]() ![]() The discussion of the conscious and unconscious state of our mind highlights the core topic of this article: subliminal primings or subliminal messages, which were brought to the mainstream media as early as 1957. This concept may be attributed to Sigmund Freud – Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis. On the contrary, the unconscious state of mind is one wherein there lies “a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories that are outside of one’s conscious awareness.” This consciousness is enabled by the part of our brain called the cerebrum, whereas the unconscious actions are performed by the basal ganglia and cerebellum. Subliminal messages have been used since time immemorial, but researchers are yet to give a very concise explanation of, both, whether it works and if it does, how? In simple words, “any sensory stimuli below an individual’s threshold for conscious perception is called a subliminal message.” (Wikipedia)Ĭonsciousness, put very plainly, is the state of being aware – aware of one’s surroundings, thoughts, emotions and the external & internal environment. Published 6:12 PM EST, Fri ApIntroduction
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |