YouTube is home to a multitude of niche communities, but one of the strangest is undoubtedly the subliminal community. For those unfamiliar, subliminals are typically audio or visual messages aimed at reprogramming the subconscious mind. They have sparked curiosity, debate, and, of course, some controversy. But do they actually work?
What are Subliminals?
Subliminal videos come in two primary forms: audio and visual.
Audio Subliminals: These typically feature inaudible messages layered beneath background music or noise. The idea is that the subconscious mind picks up on these messages, even though the conscious mind cannot.
Visual Subliminals: In these videos, positive affirmations or messages flash rapidly on screen. The idea is that the brain absorbs these messages at a subconscious level before the conscious mind can register them.
Both forms are purported to “hack” the brain, encouraging it to adopt new behaviours or attitudes without the individual being fully aware of the process.
The Promise of Subliminals
Subliminal enthusiasts believe these videos can help with everything from improving self-confidence to achieving more extreme transformations, such as turning into a mermaid (yes, you read that right). There are videos for nearly every conceivable self-improvement goal, and many users claim impressive results. On platforms like Reddit, there are entire communities where people share their ‘before and after’ experiences, often with accompanying photos, showcasing supposed positive changes after using these videos.
However, not all is as it seems. There have been reports of some subliminal channels being accused of including harmful or “dark” messages. For example, some users claim that certain subliminals caused nightmares, leading to the removal of these channels from YouTube. One such case involved a channel called Mind Power, which was petitioned for removal after accusations of “brainwashing”. Similarly, a YouTuber known as Rose Subliminals admitted to embedding negative affirmations into her videos.
Fortunately, many reputable subliminal creators, such as Akuo Subliminals, Quadible Integrity, and Luminalplay, are widely considered safe to use.
The Science Behind Subliminals
Subliminals are rooted in the Law of Attraction, a controversial pseudoscience which suggests that thoughts and intentions can directly influence reality. Despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting the Law of Attraction, its proponents often cite psychological, neuroscientific, and evolutionary biological theories to back their claims.
While this philosophy might sound appealing to some, there is no solid scientific foundation for the idea that subliminals can produce tangible, real-world changes in the way we think or behave. Skeptics argue that such messages are unlikely to have any lasting impact on the brain.
A Brief History of Subliminals
The use of subliminal techniques can be traced back as far as the late 19th century, though they gained mainstream attention in the 1950s. In 1957, James Vicary claimed that subliminal messages in a movie theatre increased sales of Coca-Cola and popcorn. However, Vicary later retracted his claim, as his attempts to replicate the results failed.
Subliminals were also used in World War II, where they were employed to help soldiers quickly recognise enemy aircraft. Over time, subliminals became part of pop culture, with films such as The Exorcist incorporating them to heighten fear and tension among audiences.
Do They Really Work?
The debate over whether subliminals are effective remains unresolved. A study from the University of Texas at Austin suggested that the effects of subliminals last for only about five minutes. Conversely, other studies indicate that subliminals may be more effective when they convey negative rather than positive messages. Some users believe that these messages can change an individual’s mindset or offer motivation, while others are convinced that subliminals can influence much more profound changes, such as altering human DNA or defying the laws of physics.
In the end, there is no consensus on whether subliminals can have lasting, tangible effects. Some critics dismiss them as little more than a placebo, while others argue that they might provide short-term mental boosts or shifts in attitude.
Is It Worth Trying?
While the jury may still be out on whether subliminals can truly transform lives, there’s no harm in trying—especially if you’re looking to experiment with something as lighthearted as becoming a mermaid. If nothing else, the positive affirmations may offer a confidence boost or the motivation to keep striving for personal growth.
In summary, whether you believe in the power of subliminals or not, they certainly remain a fascinating aspect of internet culture, and for many, they provide a fun and intriguing way to engage with personal development. So, why not try one? Just be sure to choose reputable channels and remember: transformation takes time—no matter how magical the method!