Nick HutchisonFounder and CEO, BookThinkers

How does phrasing on social media in particular affect us subconsciously?

10 Aug 2023 · 1 min

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1:01

In this conversation, Nick Hutchison asks about subconscious commands embedded in social media content. Speaker B explains that present‑tense verbs and negatively framed statements act as hidden commands—for example, the phrase “don’t be afraid” embeds the command “be afraid.” Such phrasing creates internal misalignment for the viewer. The discussion highlights the importance of trimming harmful inputs and using an “antidote”—a conscious, intentional counter‑message—because it’s impossible to block all negative cues. Speaker B draws on experience as a full‑time book marketer active on TikTok and Instagram, emphasizing practical strategies for managing subconscious influence while creating content.

Chapters

What are some examples of commands that people might be subconsciously receiving as they scroll through social media that they're not aware of that are negative?
You know, kind of put me on the spot there, but pretty much any present tense verbs, right? I follow a lot of like positivity stuff online, and sometimes it makes me cringe when I'll see like, you know, one of those little quotes or whatever. It'll say like, don't be afraid, or it'll say like— but it's like negative phrasing, right? So don't be afraid contains the embedded command be afraid. And so yes, you're getting don't be afraid on the unconscious level, but you're also programming yourself. You're instantly creating that internal misalignment with phrasing that is conflicting, right? And it's everywhere. I think trimming your inputs is super duper important, but also using the antidote, because you can't block it all out, you know, it's not even possible. And I'll tell you right now, being a full-time book marketer, which includes a lot of playing on TikTok and playing on Instagram, you have to use the antidote. You have to consciously, intentionally