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| "Shoe Sale" by Burhan Dogancay (1990) |
Are you inclined to agree that we are not aware of the cause of much of our behavior? If so, why do you think people find this so difficult to accept? If not, how would you respond to the claim that those who underestimate the influence of subliminal motivations on our behavior are themselves threatened by the idea that we are not in control of our behavior?
Do you consider yourself less susceptible to manipulation than other people you know? Can you think of cases in which your actions have been influenced by "environmental factors" that you may not have been aware of at the time?
Do you consider yourself less susceptible to manipulation than other people you know? Can you think of cases in which your actions have been influenced by "environmental factors" that you may not have been aware of at the time?
PART ONE:
ReplyDeleteMy response was too long so I have to separate it, sorry for any confusion.
I am inclined to agree with Mlodinow on this topic, he puts together a really great case in the book which falls in line with all else stated elsewhere. One point he brought up, although only shortly, is one of the main reasons we've found this to be the case; after putting all the evidence aside. Our species, or rather what would ultimately become our species, has had an unconscious mind way longer than we've had our consciousness, most all other species (the other great apes and few other mammals being the exception) haven't and will likely never evolve to consciousness. Our “early brain” was the operator of our emotions, drives, sexuality, etc. As for the question of why people find this news so difficult to accept, the answer ties deep into who we are. Human beings have a deep desire to be in control of their lives: financially, socially, emotionally – all aspects. During our limited time on this planet, we longingly seek understanding of our world and our place within it. To tell someone they are not in control of the majority of cause of their own behavior is considered a scary thought, and rightfully so, it suggests we don't truly understand ourselves.
I also think this knowledge is nothing to fear, it's not as bad as it initially sounds. Human beings, along with few other mammals, are gifted with consciousness; though only we possess such a standard as to be able to make true sense of our world. Think back to a time where you acted out irrationally and emotionally, a time where you were “out of line” as they say. Whether your thinking back to yelling at a parent or partner, for example, you probably recall yourself later thinking about what had taken place that day and found yourself to be in the wrong; you know, one of those times where you really screwed up – we've all been there. With that simple action, you've consciously reflected on your emotional behavior. Some people would stop here, acknowledging they were wrong and moving on, but they'd be missing out a true opportunity for self-growth. We can take it further and put our behavior under a strong analysis; to learn from them. While, as of today, we may not be able to find the cause of our behavior, that doesn't mean we can't understand the character of our behavior and improve upon it.
PART TWO:
ReplyDeleteIf we work towards this goal and implement these strategies, I think we can go far in understanding our behavior and ourselves. They aren't just good for ourselves mind you, but for our society as a whole. These same ideas tie into what Norbert Elias called the “decontrolling of emotional controls.” Humans have three natures. Our first nature can be characterized as behaving in accordance with our evolved tendencies; I want what a I want and want it now. Our second nature is obeying ingrained habits of civilized society; laws, regulations, outlooks. Lastly our third, and desired, state involves conscious reflection on these habits in which we evaluate those that are worth keeping. This is how we grow as an individual and a species.
Overall I would consider myself to be less susceptible. The first step to becoming so is to become aware of this knowledge, which is something I've been fascinated by for years. From there, which may be harder for some, is to accept it. Mlodinow notes that “Research suggests that when it comes to understanding our feelings, we humans have an odd mix of low ability and high confidence.” (19) It is essential we must first lower our confidence, something that doesn't come easy to most people. With a little dedication and desire, I think we can all become somewhat proficient in understanding our behavior.
Off the top of my head I can't think of a specific case of “environmental factors” (obviously) influenced my actions, though there's no doubt it's happened. I can think of cases where my thinking has been influenced; before I became aware of the little game infomercials and other salesmen play I used to see they offer a high price and then lower it by like 80%. We all know this game, and some play along: “Oh, today it's only $19.99, better get it while I can!”
I believe that we as a people have grown to accept the unconscious influences around us. We have envolved in our thinking and acceptance much like the study of the subject itself has. What grabbed my attention from this part was the "warm, fuzzy feelings" (25) we experience in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPC). This is the reaction people have toward "familiar name-brand products" according to Mlodinow. When I'm hunting for a carton of ice cream in the grocery store, if I see a Braums brand there's no doubt it'll be going home with me that evening. I could say it's because they raise and take care of their own cows therefore they are more healthy or happy with better milk etc. But inside the true drive behind my choice of delicious dessert could be because my grandma would always make me a bowl of Braum's chocolate ice cream and market it better to me than any self respecting car salesman. I probably picked it because of the personal ties I have. (Braums all the way!)
ReplyDeleteAnother tangent of this drive could also go with novelty. When I'm in Canada looking for some syrup to put on my hotcakes (yes, I've noticed every example deals with food...to each their own) I'd be more inclided to pick the bottle with "Made in Canada" proudly emblazoned across the label, than a commercial import from Montana. Would anyone prefer the local brand v. the "always regular choice" brand?
I know that portion size gets me every time. It drives me crazy that restaurants in America have such large portion sizes because I was taught to never waste food. Therefore, the more food you give me the more I am going to eat. It does not matter how it tastes. Never waste your food. I am also guilty of choosing items that have the most appealing box design. Usually, I try to get the most bang for my buck. However, in an event of a tie for price I go for the prettiest! I am aware of these silly choices I make but I have no desire to change the way I choose.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Hicks
People are probably so intimidated by the idea of the sub consciousness controlling our actions because who does not want to be in direct control of every action you make? If we accept the fact that this sub level in our brain we are not even consciously aware of makes the true decisions behind our actions, then we are saying that we do not even make our own decisions. This can lead to manipulation since we are not in control. For example the color patterns on laundry detergent or the container and size of the food choices we make.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Huhman
One thing that influences me, and most other people for that matter, is music. Music has a strange power about it. It can alter our emotions and, through our emotions, influences how we act and make decisions. Think about how an infant responds to a parent singing a gentle lullaby or how a movie-goer reacts to the dramatic, orchestral background music as the hero rescues the damsel in distress. I am not sure what causes this reaction. People seem to be affected by music in different ways and with varying amounts of intensity. Some relate better to the lyrics because they tell a story to which the listener can relate. I am personally drawn towards the beat and the way notes work together to form harmonies. These components amplify the emotions the song writer is trying to convey, be they joy or sorrow, excitement or terror, love or hatred, optimism or hopelessness. I don’t mean to offend any writers or artists, but I have yet to find a piece of art or literary work that evokes as much emotion as music does within me.
ReplyDeleteNathan Poole
I agree whole-heartedly with Ashley, Mlodinow, and Yale psychologist John Bargh on this one. Bargh states "We all hold dear the idea that we're the captain of our own soul, and we're in charge, and it's a very scary feeling when we're not. In fact, that's what psychosis is--the feeling of detachment from reality and that you're not in control, and that's a very frightening feeling for anyone." (17)
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Rachel, Morgan, Ashley, and Nathan on this one; I am as easily influenced as the next Honorable student at ECU. Like Morgan I reach for the prettiest of packages on the cereal aisle and like Nathan I can find myself obsessively listening to lyrics for days, even weeks. While I can't think of any other particular situations, I know that even when I feel in control of my desires, I realize that isn't the truth after reflecting on the scenario and all of the factors in my decision.
-Emily Davis
Working in retail, I witness firsthand the way that wording and presentation of objects can entice people into spending money. Before I worked for a large company I fell for the “buy 2 get one free” and the “25% off when you spend $50 or more” tricks. I have watched people talk themselves into spending more money to save more money, even if that means breaking the bank.
ReplyDeleteI have also learned over the past year that there is no such thing as a sale. Sales really mean that the retailer priced the item up only to price it back down for the sole purpose of playing mind tricks on the customers. Many of my co-workers are aware of this but when I hear them shopping with their families’ I still hear them justifying their purchases by means of a sale price. I think part of the reason people try to justify buying things is because they are aware that they are being manipulated. No one wants to admit that they are spending their hard earned money on overpriced things.
I agree with Mlodinow when he asserts that environmental factors unconsciously influence us. A year ago I probably wouldn’t have agreed with this because, like most humans, I want to believe I control as much of my own life as possible. For the most part, people have issues with things that control even a small aspect of their lives. The government, teachers, parents, and our bosses are all authority figures that some people claim to dislike even if they cannot come up with a reasonable explanation for that claim. I’ve heard people say they don’t like their boss or teacher because they tell them what to do. Well isn’t that the point? Sometimes people simply just don’t like things that control them. Hearing that your unconscious controls your actions and that you have no way of countering it, or even explaining why you do something, can be scary.
I completely agree. Humans go for what they feel is the best. Say there were two identical restaurants that had identical food. One restaurant served it's food in a basket with that annoying tissue paper. The other served with expensive china and a complete array of dining utensils. Most people would prefer the second option, because it looks classier. There are so many good examples everyone else has listed, and it seems everyone agrees with Mlodinow that people are easy to trick.
ReplyDeleteKyle Hetzel
I do think that we are influenced by a lot of things, and we are unaware of it. I also think that people are scared of the unconscious mind. This entire book is about how our unconscious mind outweighs our conscious mind. Obviously, people want to be in control of their mind and body. I think that this is the reason why some people are so unwilling to accept the belief that our unconscious is prevalent.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, I feel less susceptible to be manipulated than others. I know that I have a lot of self-control when it comes to acting out, saying things, and being violent in any way. Like the majority of Americans, I love food. I know that I am a sucker when the menu includes the vivid adjectives to describe each food item. It does make me want to eat that item more than the food that just states what it is plain and simply. Even though this is true, I am still aware of the fact that I am being set up to be influenced. This makes it easier for me to not give in to the temptations of things. Games, television, music, deals, and so many other things have an impact on people. I think that the people who are more willing to accept that the hidden meanings in these things are meant to be taken literally are more likely to perform the action themselves.
There are many people who have made excellent points. I really liked Nathan’s point that music is a big way people are influenced because it works directly with your emotions. Everyone has a song they listen to when they are sad, or when they need to feel more upbeat. But actually admitting to being influenced is an entirely other thing. I agreed with Morgan on the fact that most people are aware that they are being influenced, but we have to justify our reasons. Our conscious mind tries to find some kind of security by developing the feeling that we can overcome influences, though really we are just lying to ourselves.
ReplyDeleteMarketing companies and entertainment groups focus a lot on the environmental factors that influence us. Having to work in situations like that before, it’s amazing what small details can influence a customer. For example, when working at a store, you are more likely to sell something if you put in the same area as people check out at. Stores like Walmart and convenient stores do this by putting with candy bars and gum by the checkout, making them more appealing than boxes on the other side of the store. Another very influential factor is distraction. I remember shopping with my mom when I was younger, and going into a store that had excellent customer service. The lady that worked there helped pick out the cutest outfits, made sure they all fit, and kept complementing them on me… to the point I hadn't even looked at the price tags until it was time to check out. I was so distracted by the great customer service that I hadn't even thought about how much it was going to cost me. I was shocked when I discovered that I had been manipulated like that because I wanted to think that I was incapable of being influenced in that way.
I would say that despite having heard that the "off brand" of certain products is usually just as good and even sometimes distributed from the same location, I still fight the feeling that the name brand works better. Whether it is shampoo, ingredients for a recipe, a certain cereal, or a toothbrush, I always fall for thinking the name brand will do a superior job. I fully agree that this is a mindset that is a little silly, but usually chancing that my chocolate chip cookies won't taste exactly like I am used to or that my gums might not be expertly massaged by an Oral B product with patented dental technology isn't worth saving a dollar or two. It’s pitiful I know. Marketing saw me coming from a mile away.
ReplyDeleteAnna Talkington
I believe that many of our choices are driven by unconscious associations. Rachel mentioned that she will always go for Braums ice cream because that is what her grandmother served her, I too buy things because I have warm memories associated with them. For example, I will always use Herbal Essence brand hair products because I remember my mom spraying Herbal Essence detangler in my hair every morning when she brushed it. Years later, the brand has changed their look and scent, but I am still loyal to them.
ReplyDeleteWhile realizing how little conscious control we have over our choices is terrifying, it is crucial that we acknowledge it so we can combat the negative effects it can have. The documentary “Super Size Me” highlights a problem that can arise when humans make decisions based on unconscious associations. “Super Size Me” explains McDonalds ploy of attracting children and families to eat at their establishments. Children typically love McDonalds, one of the only restaurants that has a play place, a clown and happy meals with toys! Memories of fun, warm, fuzzy times at McDonalds sticks with those children as they become young adults and suddenly have money of their own to spend. When a high school or college student is pondering where to go eat and decides to make it a McDonalds day, they may justify their decision by pointing out that it is cheap, but at the core of their choice is a great childhood memory.
It is difficult for me to say whether or not I am susceptible to manipulation. In some instances, I am very easy to manipulate. However, whenever I know something is wrong or immoral, I am very difficult to manipulate. Also, most of the time, if I do not want to do something, without a doubt in my mind, I am not going to do it and no matter what anyone says to try and persuade me. I am usually very conscious of my actions and what causes them, but I am sure there are certain things that influence my behavior that I am unaware. I would love to talk about what those things are, but, as I said, I am oblivious to them!
ReplyDeleteKelsey J