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Friday, 23 August 2013

Subliminal messages in advertising

subliminal
Source: Google/images
Words that were flashed during a movie
A simple definition of subliminal advertising is that, the human minds have different levels of consciousness which is the dreaming state, conscious-rational and the subconscious level. The subconscious level is not able to function through logic or reasoning abilities and cannot differentiate what is real and what might be fictional.

Subliminal messages control the thought. When these messages are sent into the subconscious mind, it gives them the foundation to grow into reality. Check out more on the history of subliminal messages http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/soc499/cordray/media/sublmgs.html

Subliminal advertising have proved in many cases to be an effective tool. It involves the use of messages sent to the subconscious in order to convince people about a particular product or service in depth into their minds.  If used properly, people can use these messages to change the way they view the world around them or   even get someone to stop smoking or even using drugs.

Organisations and subliminal advertising

Companies make use of this concept to make people buy what they don’t need and making people prefer a brand over the other. Check out how companies make use of advertising http://www.businessinsider.com/subliminal-ads-2011-5?op=1

There is a debate surrounding the use of these subliminal messages as hidden persuasive messages used by some companies to influence audiences to buy their products/services. Do you think it’s an ethical practice? What’s your view ?


37 comments:

  1. I do not think that kind of advertising is ethical at all I believe consumers should be givewn the oppurtunuty to decide for themself whether to purchase an advertised or not and not be manipulated to do so

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  2. Yes I agree with you, point taken

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  3. i think its not ethical because they are ripping us off through our subconscious for their own benefits and one day they might lose customers if they do not change this technique of subliminal messages.They are somehow brainwashing us into believing that their brands are the best,if you advertise you must always show honesty,that way you will have loyal customers.

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    1. Dangers of that would be that,these organisations might be regarded as not being credible. i totaly agree swith you, what they are doing is unethical

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  4. Nna ke nagana gore dilo tseo tsa di subliminal advertising ke nonsense fela.they are manipulating our minds,i wonder ke mang atleleng le nyoko ya mohuta o?

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  5. advertising is advertising whether subliminal or otherwise, it is not enforced upon the viewer and whether they choose to be persuaded by it or not is up to them, ethics are irrelevent in this case as long is it within the legal means then there is no foul play

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    1. What you just said is debatable.It will depend on which manner it was used.If it was that wrong, then why would McDonals regard it as a techical fault? #attached video

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  6. the is no law saying that you must not affect the minds, the aim of advertising is to manipulate the mind of our targetpublic inorder to promote our brands. there is nothing wrong using subliminal advertising to reach our goal.

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  7. That's the fun part about advertising, Ad agencies are so smart that the convey two messages in 30 seconds within one advertisement.

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  8. they must just illegalise these type of advertising, if they haven't, coz it's inhuman.

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  9. Ya it realy takes out the humanity and leaves you defenseless.

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  10. Ethics are an important part of PR which all companies should implement and practice. That's the way it should be.

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  11. well said sakhile, advertising is advertising... its up to you whether you wanna be persuaded or not

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    1. Using the subconscious part of the human mind is beyond the audience control...

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  12. people have the power to block whatever it is that advertisers are trying to store into their minds....its that simple

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    1. That's the tricky part, using the subconscious part of the human mind is beyond the audeince control

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  13. I think most brands use advertising to take advantage of whoever is exposed to it.

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    1. Yes. But is this form of advertising ethical?

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  14. I dont think its ethical bacause the audiences/customers should buy what makes them happy and not to be condemned.

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  15. Yho what a complex topic. I learnt something new today I had no idea subliminal advertising even existed,thanks!

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  16. hooooo okay Toka it's fine, subliminsl advertising whatsover, didn't know about this but now I know, clever one sisi!

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  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  18. I go by the idea that it is ethnical since there is no duress

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  19. wow I have picked something from your blog, nice one girl.

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  20. I didnt know about this kind of advertising but thank you for telling us.Avertising for me is impotant in every form it builds brand awarness and promotes the company in many ways.

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  21. Advertising is very important, that I have to agree with you

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  22. wow i did not think advertising is that important but thank you for informing us

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