{"id":5874,"date":"2026-10-12T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewitnessexeter.co.uk\/?p=5874"},"modified":"2026-10-13T13:22:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:22:51","slug":"reading-this-article-will-make-you-beautiful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewitnessexeter.co.uk\/?p=5874","title":{"rendered":"Reading This Article Will Make You Beautiful\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>4 Minute, 15 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n

One dull evening, I was scrolling on TikTok when a strange video<\/a> flooded my screen. It was a short compilation of videos and images of conventionally beautiful women.  Loud, energetic music was playing, and robotic affirmations said, ‘I have flawless skin\u2019, I am fit and toned\u2019, and \u2018I am stunningly beautiful\u2019 on loop.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The caption<\/a> read \u2018After just one listen, you\u2019ll look like a Victoria’s Secret Angel\u2019. Intrigued, I went to the comments to understand where the trend had emerged from. I discovered this content was known as a \u2018subliminal\u2019 video, which layers robotic affirmations under music.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These videos claim grand results, from physical changes like extreme beauty to lifestyle changes, such as finding your dream partner. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how does a video on TikTok claim to alter your entire physiology? (Alas, at 5\u20194, I don\u2019t think being a Victoria’s Secret model is my calling).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to popular subliminal creators<\/a>, the subconscious is responsible for your inner belief system. If you claim their videos didn\u2019t work for you, you\u2019re informed you have limiting beliefs and you can\u2019t ‘truly believe\u2019. Many creators even make content to help \u2018remove\u2019 limiting beliefs<\/a>, promising faster results.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, these claims are unfounded. In my research, I could not find one reliable scientific source or study to backup these claims, or any proof of users getting physical results. Whilst there is research <\/a>for other subliminal manipulation and messaging, it\u2019s extremely different to what you\u2019ll find in a TikTok or YouTube video. It\u2019s a very sophisticated, experimental process. These ‘subliminal’ videos, however, remain speculation and hearsay.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018subconscious\u2019 as many know it culturally doesn\u2019t really exist<\/a> scientifically. It is widely regarded as a \u2018pop psychology\u2019 term, due to deficit of understanding. The subconscious is a descriptor of the automatic processes of the body, such as <\/mark>motor control and emotional processing.  <\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 So, whilst the brain does have both unconscious and conscious processing, it cannot metamorphize someone from an ordinary looking person to a supermodel. Attractiveness and physical looks remain result of genetics, environment, and personal preference.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, after some research into this world, I decided to run my own experiment around these videos and document the results.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, I considered it only fair to try these videos for myself.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I sourced the most popular videos and creators, promising physical changes after one listen. I also used \u2018boosters\u2019; videos that are recommended to boost and fasten results (a contradiction to the \u2018one listen\u2019 claim). I chose videos that claimed to make an obvious change, such as extreme hair growth and longer lashes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I followed all the instructions and advice laid out by creators. This involved drinking plenty of water and listening every day. I did this for a week.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m afraid in this timeframe, I saw no physical change. I did however suffer a few headaches and questionable looks from my friends.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, I compared the results of subliminal suggestions for a male vs female algorithm.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I asked Katie, a 22-year-old PhD student, to search subliminal videos on YouTube. Her recommended feed was flooded with \u2018weight loss\u2019, \u2018extreme beauty\u2019 and \u2018becoming THAT girl\u2019 videos. The thumbnails of these videos often had visibly underweight women, and AI-enhanced photos of popular celebrities, such as Megan Fox and Brooke Shields.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I then asked Jordan, a 27-year-old student, to do the same. His results were not flooded with any appearance-altering videos. Instead, he was suggested subliminal videos for how to \u2018ascend in life\u2019 (a phrase reminiscent of the manosphere) and becoming \u2018magnetic\u2019.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This comparison already reveals a lot about the culture of subliminal content, and the users. It circles around to misogyny, with women getting videos centred around their looks whilst men are encouraged to focus on success.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another interesting result is that both sexes seem to face similar levels of extremity. Feelings of inadequacy are sowed into the algorithms, planting false hope that you\u2019ll find a way to be exceptional with a minimum amount of effort.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what does this new development in internet culture say about our society today?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It boils down to intense pressure to be extremely attractive, a side effect of the rise of \u2018looksmaxxing\u2019, and increasingly extreme beauty standards. And in true social media style, instant gratification comes into play. If you\u2019re promised the looks and life of your dreams after simply watching a video, wouldn\u2019t you? It’s like a wish come true. Why enjoy scrolling funny videos on social media when it can be remarketed to a self-improvement hub?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, perhaps the real question isn’t whether listening to a video can make you look like a Victoria’s Secret Angel. It’s why so many of us are being made to feel that we need to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image Reference: Barbie doll<\/a> \/\/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edited By: Evangeline Shankland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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