Visual Subliminal Messages
Visual subliminal messages are designed to be unnoticeable by the conscious mind, yet still perceived by the subconscious mind.
They are not consciously recognized because either the subliminal messages are camouflaged or presented so quickly that there is insufficient time for them to be comprehended.
The purpose of using them is to bypass the conscious mind and submit messages directly to the subconscious mind.
The reason for doing this is to influence the subconscious mind and introduce positive changes in a person’s beliefs and consequent behaviour.
Visual Subliminal Messages – Static and Dynamic Types
Dynamic visual subliminal messages are commonly presented as short text messages flashed at regular intervals on either a computer monitor or television screen.
The messages are presented rapidly, repeatedly and their content based on a particular subject of interest. In most cases, display of the subliminal messages is controlled by a computer software program.
The subliminal messages appear only for a fraction of a second so that the brain perceives them but there is no conscious awareness of them.
A static visual subliminal message is usually embedded within an unchanging viewable image. In this case the messages are visually masked so that there is no awareness of them. These images may be presented on a display screen or even in printed media.
In both static and dynamic types, the hidden message is masked by another more visually dominant image. This masking image is designed to act as a distraction so that no conscious attention is paid to the subliminal message.
Origins of Visual Subliminal Messages
Much of the original interest in using subliminal messages is based on an incident in 1957 at a New Jersey drive-in movie theater involving James Vicary, a marketing promoter.
He stated that by inserting images of soda and popcorn into frames of movie news reels, he observed a substantial increase in the sales of both.
This became the basis for the controversial legendary effect of subliminal messages, even though there was at that time no real interest in what they were or how they could influence behaviour.
There was also no understanding of the differences between visual and audio subliminal messages.
In spite of the fact that Vicary later admitted his evidence was fabricated, he was highly instrumental in making subliminal persuasion a topic for public discussion and research.
Without him having done so, efforts in pursuing the effects of subliminal messaging may not have begun until years later.
How Visual Subliminal Messages Work
Both static and dynamic visual subliminal messages have one common characteristic. Although termed visual, they are ironically designed not to be recognized, but only perceived by the subconscious mind.
In the case of a static image that contains a hidden subliminal message, the message may not be noticeable even if it is viewed for many hours.
The subconscious mind has a much greater ability to understand the message.
Dynamic visual subliminal messages are presented as short phrases that can appear in any small area of the display almost imperceptibly.
The content of the messages is crucial and there are points that should be observed in creating subliminal messages properly, such as ensuring negative phrases are avoided (e.g. “I will not overeat”).
Video recordings available in DVD, VHS or MPG formats are static and are highly unlikely to contain visual subliminal messages.
However, it is more than possible to create them or modify existing recordings to embed persuasive messages in selective video frames.
In contrast, computer software programs are available that can present dynamic subliminal visual text messages. They are designed to present messages dynamically on a computer monitor without interfering with other tasks being performed.
Although audio subliminal messages are perceived at a slower rate than visual messages, no attention is required by the listener. The fact that the brain is designed to process images more rapidly is an advantage in using visual subliminal messages.
More visual information can be presented to the subconscious mind in a shorter period. The benefit is that it may take less time to introduce the subconscious changes desired, even though attention to the displayed messages is required.
Visual Subliminal Software Programs
Using a computer program to display visual subliminal messages allows other tasks to be performed at the same time, such as creating a document, a spreadsheet, or simply accessing information on the Internet.
Any subliminal software program should include certain features that are easy to use and effective. It should be possible to control the content of the messages, how long they are displayed, and how frequently they are presented.
The producer of the software should also provide various templates for desired goals (e.g. losing weight, self-esteem, etc.). A template contains a list of displayed subliminal text messages.
When selecting computer software that presents visual subliminal messages, attempt to ensure that it has at least all of the following characteristics:
- Message templates should be provided
- All messages should be editable
- Screen presentation should be adaptable
- Message location should be selectable as either random or static
- Contrast controls should permit video adjustments
- Interval timing of messages must be adjustable
- Duration of messages must be adjustable
- Characteristics of messages should be modifiable
- Background music should be available
- Control of message font size should be permitted
- How the program starts up should be controllable
Visual messages can be presented faster than audio messages and are considered to be more effective.
This is because the visual system of the brain can absorb more information in less time.
Visual subliminal messages can be pre-recorded on video tape, DVDs or one of the available video file formats such as MPG.
There would be other static or dynamic images presented to mask the subliminal text messages.
These recordings can be replayed repeatedly but you have no control over the subliminal content or how its presented.
You can also choose subliminal software programs that give you the power to control the message content, the background music, displayed images or animations, timing and other features.
Audio subliminal or supraliminal messages do not require that you keep your eyes open. This is not possible with visual subliminal messages and you must be actively viewing the screen in order in order for the messages to be perceived.
For people that spend considerable time in front of a computer this is ideal because it doesn’t interfere with work or entertainment. Another benefit is that since the visual messages are displayed so quickly, other people will not notice that you are doing this.
Background music can always be turned off so that no one will be disturbed by it or you can use headphones. You can also listen to a different audio source that delivers subliminal or supraliminal messages at the same time.
(c) Copyright – B. James Kudlak. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.






















