Media shapes our daily experiences, often with underlying agendas that go unnoticed. Here’s a look at ten common forms of media and their hidden purposes, revealing how they influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
10. The Unseen Purpose of ASMR Videos
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos are designed to evoke relaxation and calmness through specific audio triggers like whispering and tapping. Beyond mere entertainment, they serve as a non-medical form of biofeedback, helping viewers manage anxiety and insomnia by eliciting calming physiological responses.
9. The Deceptive Simplicity of the Wilhelm Scream
The Wilhelm Scream is a famous sound effect used in films to create an in-joke among sound designers rather than enhance realism. This iconic scream serves as a cinematic Easter egg, connecting filmmakers and reinforcing a sense of community within the industry.
8. The Business-Driven Purpose of Infomercials
Infomercials fill low-viewership time slots, allowing networks to monetize otherwise unprofitable airtime. While primarily aimed at selling products, they also serve a strategic business function, transforming filler content into revenue-generating opportunities.
7. The Anxiety-Reducing Purpose of Elevator Music
Elevator music, or Muzak, was created to alleviate anxiety in small, enclosed spaces. By providing a calming background, this genre helps ease discomfort and promote a sense of predictability and comfort in public areas, from shopping malls to airports.
6. The Manipulative Power of the TV “Laugh Track”
Laugh tracks are used in sitcoms to elicit laughter from viewers, manipulating their perception of the show’s humor. This psychological tactic, known as “social proof,” encourages viewers to laugh along, enhancing the perceived success of the comedy.
5. The Alleged Purpose of the “Brown Note”
The concept of the “brown note,” an alleged frequency that induces fear or discomfort, reflects the power of sound in media. While not scientifically proven, infrasound is used in horror films and games to create a sense of dread, subtly affecting viewers’ emotions.
4. The Psychological Purpose of Nursery Rhymes
Many nursery rhymes carry historical significance, serving as social and political commentary. While often seen as innocent, they may convey warnings or document events, illustrating how simple melodies can communicate complex ideas and cultural narratives.
3. The Manipulative Use of Music in Horror Films
Horror film scores are crafted to manipulate emotions, using dissonant tones and abrupt sounds to induce tension and fear. This intentional design guides viewers through a psychological journey, ensuring they feel the intended emotional impact of the film.
2. The Alleged Use of Subliminal Messages in Advertising
Subliminal messages are purportedly embedded in media to influence behavior without conscious awareness. Although controversial, the idea of hidden messages in advertising raises concerns about manipulation, reminding us that media can have unseen effects on our thoughts and actions.
1. The Crime-Deterring Purpose of Classical Music at Gas Stations
Playing classical music in public spaces, including gas stations, serves to deter loitering and criminal behavior. This tactic creates an environment that discourages antisocial activities, leveraging the calming influence of music to promote a quicker, more efficient transaction atmosphere.
These examples illustrate that the media we consume often serves purposes beyond mere entertainment, influencing our emotions and behaviors in subtle yet powerful ways.