How-To Advice for Subliminal Software Users Who Write Your Own "Customized" Subliminal Messages

Subliminal Software is a growing interest for users of the Internet and many different subliminal message programs are available, either as subliminal software that one can load onto a computer, or as CDs that work with the computer. Many of these programs are beneficial to users.

Some of these programs contain subliminal messages written by a qualified therapist or psychologist. However, other subliminal software programs allow users to type in or "customize" the program by writing their own subliminal affirmations.

A recent study in subliminal message techniques being reported on the Internet may cause these latter subliminal software users to harm themselves if they take it the wrong way. This article is an advisory to avoid attempting to replicate the results of the reported study.

The report on the study in question, issued by "The Independent" in the UK cites that a study conducted in 2009 at the University College London found that the subconscious mind is more prone to remembering and holding onto negative subliminal messages than positive ones. According to the study subliminally implanted negative words were correctly spotted 77 per cent of the time, as opposed to 59 per cent for positive terms. The implication was that subliminal messages are more effective when they are negative.

This report was picked up in America by CBS which echoes the information. Links to these reports are in the LINKS section at the bottom of this HUB.

When reading these reports it is very important to understand that the study was focused on ADVERTISING and MARKETING, not self help motivation uses of subliminal messages. Full details of the study - sample size, conditions of testing, control groups and scientific replication - all of which affect the study's validity are not given in the reports that were issued. Therefore it is best to take these reports as sensational news reporting, and not as scientific fact.

It is also important to keep in mind that the entire subject of subliminal messages in advertising is highly controversial, with some studies finding it ineffective, and in some countries, it is banned entirely.

In the late 1950's, after the famous 1957 "Buy Popcorn" movie house subliminal message scandal by market researcher James Vicary (who in 1962 admitted to lying about the experiment and falsifying the results), the practice of subliminal advertising was banned in the United Kingdom and Australia, and by American television networks and the National Association of Broadcasters in 1958.

The use of subliminal messages in motivational programs is NOT BANNED and is acceptable because this is done by a user as a matter of choice for a therapeutic benefit.

However, to use negative subliminal messages even in a self help motivational customizable program - as some might conclude from reading the reports already mentioned - is simply asking for trouble!

Some subliminal software programs allow users to write their own subliminal messages. Allowing people untrained in addressing the subconscious mind to do this is risky because of the danger of "programming" one's mind incorrectly, resulting in increased stress levels, anxiety, anger, and possibly more.

Traditionally, subliminal message programs on cassette or CD have been produced by hypnotists, psychologists and others who are trained in the proper ways of addressing the subconscious mind safely and effectively.

Nevertheless, some subliminal software exists that allow the users to "customize" their experience. The users of subliminal software that allows them to write their own subliminal messages should be careful of reports of the effectiveness of negative subliminal messages and not try it in practice because it can be potentially harmful.

For example, suppose one is customizing a piece of subliminal software to deal with low self esteem. Subliminal messages that state: "I am a capable person" or "I am well liked by my friends" are self esteem boosters and positive in nature. Negative messages can be emotionally dangerous and harm self esteem. In fact, it was negative messages that lowered self esteem in the first place! More of the same is NOT going to make it better.

Other types of subliminal messages, such as for stop smoking, should also be kept positive. For example: "I feel great when I am smoke free." is a positive and affirming subliminal message that provides the subconscious mind with a benefit for being smoke free - to feel great.

A negative subliminal message such as "I hate smoking." (the negative word here is "hate"), might be emotionally catchy, but it can cause serious and unforeseen side effects. Not only can the user develop a distaste for smoking that is repugnant and emotionally upsetting, that "hate" can be directed at others who are still smoking.

If you use subliminal software that allows you to write your own subliminal messages, be careful to learn the proper way to write these subliminal messages and always keep them positive and uplifting. DO NOT follow the recommendations implied by the news reports of the UK study about using negative subliminal messages to make them more effective!

If you don't know how to write proper positive and affirming subliminal messages, or are concerned that you might actually harm yourself with a subliminal message that you have written, you can consider using subliminal software that contains pre-written messages created by a certified hypnotherapist, psychologist or counselor who is trained in creating positive, uplifting and beneficial subliminal messages.