Skip to main content

Week 3 [21-27.10.19] The Art of Misdirection



The Art of Misdirection
Every day we try to concentrate our attention on something really important and mainly focus on our daily worries or problems. But it happens so that we lose sight of a lot and these "little things" in turn play a very important role in our lives.
If we assume from a high perspective, it is obvious that each person has their individual reality and view of life. Each of us tries to be assembled and focused. Nevertheless, it is very easy to throw people off balance by simple Magical Misdirection!

This is an approach that always makes me feel excited because from childhood it was quite amusing for me  to watch performing magicians.  Being able to control the sensory perception of individuals or even big audiences is so simple art nowadays.
Eventually, I figured out that real "magic" is all about misdirection.

How It works?
It is necessary not to distract a person from anything, but, on the contrary, to switch his/her attention. For example, if I need you to stop looking at items laid out on a table, it's much easier to give you a good reason to look elsewhere. I offer additional things to focus your attention on, and it is much more effective since you have the illusion of freedom of choice.
Source:
https://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_17/1070016/puzzle-slider-today1-160429_af1f1c09750b7e68e20aabf47179d12d.fit-760w.jpg
Test: Try to find hidden Panda
While you were looking for a panda someone could steal your money from your pocket
In this TED’s TALK, we can understand some of the cognitive concepts of how people pay attention and how our "worker" at the forefront of our minds can easily be distracted.


1.Have you ever noticed that your consciousness might be manipulated by someone else? Why not?
2.Would you ever want to have such a superpower to control someone's attention or behavior? Why or for what purposes?
3.Do you think that you have a good attention?


Sources:
https://www.ted.com/speakers/apollo_robbins


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZGY0wPAnus

Comments

Cem Ates said…
1- Yes, I have seen this ted talk and also I have been watching a document called Brain games, same guy (Apollo Robbins) was stealing items from the people. Here are the playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKpYaAZwxo8&list=PLlmlfwXDpK7pza1qJA4ApM6t6Wk6azJej if anyone want to check.

2- https://bit.ly/2p3TTRV

3- No.
Mehmet KONUK said…
1- In nowadays countries the population of the cities have so many crowded public area. So the thieves are being creative in the process of manipulation of the peoples' brains, so why not. even not only on the subject of stealing something but also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S0FDjFBj8o if you have seen this ted talk, the guy is actually making the audience's brain manipulated. please seen it how :) it's a great talk.

2- I would actually, that could be great to have in business meetings ;)
3- yes i do
Alex said…
1. Maybe. I think manipulating someone requires a high grade of selfawerness. I believe that it is something diffcult to achive today. From my observation people often ignore what is inside and the world made it very easy. Running is easier than confronting.

2. I do not think of controling someone's attention in categories as superpowers. For me this is more cause- effect relationship, Is very easy to manipulate someone with low selfcounciousness , but difficult with someone more selfaware. As for why or what depends on the job description.

3. This isn't a yes or no question. I think that it depends on the amount of focus.
Dawid Piotrak said…
1.Have you ever noticed that your consciousness might be manipulated by someone else? Why not?
No i haven't. But then again just like shown on the video if it was it would be probably hard for me to notice it.

2.Would you ever want to have such a superpower to control someone's attention or behavior? Why or for what purposes?
No, i would rather choose a different/more useful superpower. But if i didn't have a choice then i guess it would be a cool ability to have.

3.Do you think that you have a good attention?
Yes, but when it comes to magic tricks etc. people performing them are well trained in this subject in order for you to loose focus so it's obvious you will have problem following.
Roman Batyuk said…
1. In my opinion, every one of us was manipulated at least once in our lives. And sometimes it is really hard to notice it especially when the manipulators are close friends or relatives. So yes I have noticed the manipulation a couple of times but only with the experience, we can learn to detect them.

2. Maybe :). In some cases, it would be helpful like business meetings or politician career. But to tell the truth life would far less interesting with it.

3. As I said before, it is the question of experience. For example, a magic trick. If you where to look magicians will not manipulate your consciousness. And the same in other situations. I think I am not experienced enough to have a very good attention.
Angelika Dutt said…
1. Yes, I noticed many times that I was manipulated. It's happening vert often when I am travelling. Pickpockets are asking for some help or try to sell something small like for example lighter and at the same time they are trying to rob you.
2. I was reading a book how to control someone's attention, but I found that for me it's
inappropriate to use it in everyday life.
3. In my opinion I have good attention, because I can divide my attention into a few things.
Bartosz Waś said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bartosz Waś said…
1. My consciousness has never been manipulated in real life by some street magicians or pick-pockets but it's still possible that someone has done it in everyday life interactions and was that good at it that I haven't even realized. Still I can admit that this guy from the video definitely tricked me and made me lose my attention a few times even though I knew he was going to try something.
2. Yes, I think everyone would like to have such power. There is an almost limitless number of capabilities to use it for example in work and business where we could shape the environment around us as we wanted.
3. Yes, I think my attention is pretty good. I am usually aware of what surrounds me and I rarely lose it.
1. I don't think my focus could ever be manipulated by anyone to gain any benefit. On the street, sometimes we can see street performers, mascots, statues, magicians who want to distract us to some extent. They come to us, they want us to take a picture with them, they want us to make a crowd and watch their performances. Then third parties can take action. After all, such manipulation can also be found in everyday situations, even in conversation with another person who wants to pull us away from the topic or hide something. Personally, I have met with such jamming more than once, and I think this is a technique that is quite often used by the interlocutors.

2. Not really. In fact, I don't need such super power because I generally don't talk too much. I think that such power would be a very powerful weapon though, for example in the hands of politicians or larger authorities who could persuade people to make their case and force them to follow their ideas.

3. I think my attention is all right. I rarely lose focus or get lost in my thoughts. Most often, however, this happens in my apartment, so on this occasion nothing bad will probably happen to me there. However, sometimes when I'm tired and sleepy, my focus and consciousness are at a very low level, then there is a chance that someone can profit from it.
Yubin said…
1.Have you ever noticed that your consciousness might be manipulated by someone else? Why not?
Yes, lets leave this topic about misdirection or magic aside now, I was interested in Brain wave controlling (Electroencephalogram controlling) science and that was also a reason for me to study computer science here, such control is like you can hack someone's brain, send a signal to his brain, his brain will decode the signal in a biological way, and then control his behavior, or at least talk with him in such telepathy way. If biology develops better in future, Brain wave controlling may have an opportunity to achieve it in the future.

2.Would you ever want to have such a superpower to control someone's attention or behavior? Why or for what purposes?
Yes, it is kinda cool think to play such magic in front of my friends, also I actually had already watched lots of such magic videos like what this guy did in the Ted talk show, they were so amazing, anyway it is not easy to control someone's attention, all of them have to practice 5 years for 5 minutes in the show.

3.Do you think that you have a good attention?
I guess yes, I used to exercise magic for five years, I think it strengthen my attention, anyway my attention might also be reduced as I get older.


1. Yes, it happens all the time especially in big cities. If you ever notice how this kind of people work, you will know how to not get manipulated in future. Of course, it’s not easy to see such kind of behaviour because the thieves know what they’re doing. Nowadays, lots of people don’t raise their head from the smartphones so sometimes you don’t even need to be manipulated.

2. Well, If I had opportunity to choose superpower it would be something different. If it was the only choice, then I would start thinking about starting a political career.


3. Yes, I’m always trying to pay attention, especially in public places, crowded buses or trains.
s15740 said…
1.Have you ever noticed that your consciousness might be manipulated by someone else? Why not?
Paying attention, as every process in our brain, needs some energy. The use of attention is an active action, not a passive act. Action, that takes from us energy, that we need to concentrate. That supply of energy is vulnerable enough to impact from the side. When it`s happening, we can feel that the supply of energy decreases and tension in the air increases. Some people, that are emotional, or sensitive, like little children, can easily give in to other`s influence. As for me, it`s for sure, that anyone’s consciousness can be “hacked”, and I`m not an exception.
2.Would you ever want to have such a superpower to control someone's attention or behavior? Why or for what purposes?
In my opinion, controlling someone`s attention is not a super power. We can watch it`s happening every day with everyone. And people who do it are not superheroes. If we can learn how to do something, its illogical to call it super power.
But for sure, its magic, that you, being seller, can sell some goulash to vegan.
3.Do you think that you have a good attention?
I think, I have good attention, when my consciousness is clear….
I`m a chess player, and I can confidently affirm, that this game evolves an ability to pay and to concentrate attention.
Play chess – boost yours Frankie!!
Actually, he represented this whole idea of human misdirection in very interesting way I agree.
You are right! Most of pocket pickers are being so creative nowadays and it terrifies a little.
Right it could be useful for those businessmans
Agree with your point of view about sefawarness and that people are less interested in certain things and what is going on in our world.
I would rather say that it is superpower in quotes. And Yes there are might be some factors of person's self awareness
Most of us thinking that we are super attentive but in practice it turns other way around.
I would say most of superpowers are based on ability to focus, but we have our own preferences of course!
Agree it becomes harded to follow professional magicians!
Yes sometimes manipulation from the side of relatives or friends is really hard to notice and it's not the best experience.
You are right I think it would be extremely useful for politicians.
As you said I support your idea that it usually happens in travelling time when you lose your attention and you focus on other things.
It's interesting, I've read a few of those books about controlling attention and there was lots of "hacks" and I agree, I should say that it is inhumane to use this knowledge for personal gain.
If you are good in multitasking then it might be easy to control your attention! :)
Good to know that you never face up with pick-pockets and that's true it happens everyday. As I mentioned in other comment "Most of us thinking that we are super attentive but in practice it turns other way around". But I think we could be better concentrated if we would keep our attention on small things in our life.
I like the idea and way of your thinking. This kind of performances are quite interesting for people and sometimes it is also "profitable" for those pickpockets. Regarding everyday situations it is also well described from your point I think!
I would say this "weapon" is already in arsenal of some politicians and it is sad.
Agreed well-being plays a big role in our life and attention
I have heard many times about Electroencephalogram controlling and there are lots of researches about it. I'm also interested in this field but I would say this is different topic to discuss. Brain wave controlling is more about forcing and controlling individuals mind by influencing wave structure of brain.
But anyway good to know that it was reason why you study computer science since you have some motivation and target.
Right, even small trick takes much longer to practise.
I agree, it's necessary to understand the problem in order to find solution, so if we don't want to be tricked we need to discover how those tricks works at least a little.
Kristina Moroz said…
1.Have you ever noticed that your consciousness might be manipulated by someone else? Why not?
I think everyone was manipulated by others in some way. Even if they said that they wasn't. They might simply not have realized that this was happening to them.
2.Would you ever want to have such a superpower to control someone's attention or behavior? Why or for what purposes?
Well, I'm not sure that controling someone's attention is a super power. If I could choose which one I want I would rather choose something else.
3.Do you think that you have a good attention?
I'm not sure about that. It's like with eyesight and wearing glasses for correction it. When you don't use them (glasses) you are more concentrated and when you start wearing glasses you relax. Draw an analogy.
1. Yes, I noticed. Scientists point to stimuli through which we can manipulate the human brain. I think they are very often used in marketing.
2. I think I could use them during negotiations with my boss.
3.Yes, I think that my attention is realy good.
Kgajewska said…
1. Yes, I've noticed that my consciousness might be manipuleted multiple times. Unfortunately, being aware that somebody can manipulate me usually isn't enough to avoid such situations. It takes a lot of practice and knowledge to precisely spot the moment during which somebody's trying to manipulate our consciousness. It's very hard and it's not a suprise that most people could be fooled like that.

2.Yes, I'd like to, but in my opinion we all have such a superpower in some way. The way we speak, express our thoughts and opinions - both verbally and nonverbally have an enormous impact on how others will react. Body language is such a powerful tool and by mixing it with manipulation techniques we can obtain whatever we want on bigger or smaller scale.

3.Yes, I think I have quite good attention - mostly because I'm pretty aware about attention diverting tricks. It's more difficult to manipulate someone who suppose that.
1. Attempts were made but it was this level of manipulation and that level of tricks that you’ve seen countless times already so it was easy to see through.
2. Sure, it could be really useful in various situations. Why? Our society is built on communication with other people, which is a field I’m bad on so anything that could help me be better at that I would welcome with open arms.
3. It depends on I don’t have an idea what. Sometimes I’m concentrated and see small details that could or could not be useful and sometimes I’m just a mess with legs. So again, it depends.
Pawel Bluszcz said…
1. I think I could be manipulated and I suspect that everyone could be. For examplewhen a stores makes a discounts on theirs items. Instead of the tag, e.g. 100 PLN, they will give a tag with the inscription: “promotion” and another color of the tag with same price, and at least half of people think that they will save something.
2. No, I wish I had any superpowers. After abusing it too much, I'd rather get bored with the constant advantage over everyone.
3. Yes, I think I have good attention. However, I try to do one thing rather than several at a time
Ivan Mazuryk said…
1. Yeap, Manipulative people are everywhere and can be found in every walk of our life. I believe, each of us has been manipulated at least once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, usually, we recognize it too late.

2. I would say, manipulating someone is rather a skill than a super power. The skill which you actually can develop and use it.

3. I'm practicing to eliminate distractions to improve my focus and performance.
I'm agree with your opinion that people should know how those "magicians" works in order to protect yourself in such cases.
1. Yes, I believe most of us experienced something like this. I wonder how many times someone was able to manipulate my consciousness and I didn't even know it. It is scary and interesting at the same time.

2. It would be interesting to have "super power" like that, but I believe that it's a skill that with enough training everyone could have. It would be very useful in business or during job where you need to have contact with other people.

3. Yes, I thinks so. But it is impossible to be focused 100% of time, so sometimes I get lost in thoughts :)
The emotional or sensitive influence for any kind of individuals is really important point, I agree here ! And It also depends on personality for sure.
Yeah it happens everyday and it is hard to notice sometimes/
If you are chess player then you should be able to concentrate your attention in details right.
Even if not, probably once in our life we would face up with it yes.
Good example! Personally I wear glasses so it is good explanation because these kind of factors also matters.
There are lots of researches about this topic and some of them really terrific. As you mentioned it also used it marketing. I believe that all of us have at least once been manipulated by ads and then we feel betrayed.
I haven’t really noticed that my consciousness might be manipulated by anyone else. Well maybe a few times when I was watching some “magic” performances done by illusionists. All of “magic” tricks are in fact illusions that make you focus your attention elsewhere and not on the important things. Well, having superpower to control someone’s behavior or attention would be super helpful in all kinds of situations. If you can control someone’s behavior you are practically a god, then you can do basically everything from avoiding speeding tickets to taking control of worldwide corporations. I don’t think my attention is super good, but I can honestly say that I have seen worse.
Sad but true, it's really hard to detect or protect yourself from such situation because usually we don't really concentrated while we are travelling, having fun and etc.
That's really interesting view and I totally agree with you too. We simply don't know how to use our body language properly but this in fact as you said " os such a powerful tool".
Well yeah sometimes it's useful to have such power in order to communicate with people in good way of course.
This is very common situation I would say. And that how in reality works.
1.Have you ever noticed that your consciousness might be manipulated by someone else? Why not?
No never. I don’t know why I simply didn’t notice my consciousness is manipulated by someone maybe I met someone good at this.
2.Would you ever want to have such a superpower to control someone's attention or behavior? Why or for what purposes?
Yes and no. YES because this is fun power, NO because you can do too many evils think too easy and that power would change you.
3.Do you think that you have a good attention?
I don’t think so maybe for moment or two when I concentrate.
Agree, it's terrifying if you just think about that.
Kuba Berliński said…
1. Hardly ever, but sometimes I manage to notice that. One interesting example was while watching this video :).

2. Honestly, no I wouldn't and so I'd like noone else to have it either. If anyone were to have this superpower they would become a degenerate sooner or later.

3. It depends on many factors. I find it really hard to answer that question.
In fact. magic works in that way, magicians usually tries to switch your attention to another things, yes that what I mentioned in topic above.
Well, I mention it as super power in order to check people's reaction. It is not super power at all I agree.
Yeah you can analyse your attention while watching this video.
1.Have you ever noticed that your consciousness might be manipulated by someone else? Why not?
I noticed. Once, when I was in high school, I read books on the subject. Generally, this happens every day in the form of media ....

2.Would you ever want to have such a superpower to control someone's attention or behavior? Why or for what purposes?
I used to dream about it. Now I think I would choose other super powers, although this one is also very valuable. I don't know for what purposes I would use it but they would certainly be selfish in a way.

3.Do you think that you have a good attention?
I don't think I can judge it. I think so, but I don't know if I'm right.
1. No, but after watching this TED's TALK video, I can imagine that it's pretty difficult to notice

2. I don't want to have such superpowers, simply because I don't want to intervene in someone else's behaviors

3. I don't think i have quite good attention
Maciej Szczypek said…
1. I have no recolection of this kind of situation in my life, probably because it is extremely hard to notice it, as shown in the video.

2. I would never want this kind of superpower. It seems like a very dangerous ability for anyone to have.

3. Generally I do, but there are some days when I completely can not focus on anything.
1. No, I didn't notice that. Maybe I just haven't met people like that.

2. No, I wouldn't want that kind of superpower. I just don't need it. When I was a kid, I wanted to read other people's minds or be invisible, but I never wanted to control other people's behavior.

3. I think so. Sometimes I play games where you need to have good attention and reaction.
1. I think everyone was manipulated at least once, maybe by family or some ad.
2. Be able to control others? Sure, why not. For now I don't for what purposes, but it would be good to have such superpower
3. I think I have good attention, I'm paying attention what's going on around me
I don't think my consciousness was ever manipulated, more like perception. I don't want to argue about definitions for both of these words but for me they are two different things. We are being lied to all the time by medias and even in everyday conversations with other people. I am not sure if i wanted to have a super ability to control others. I feel like the world would get very boring for me after some time. I believe my senses are set on very high level all the time. Very often I see things others do not.

1. I have noticed it once, but probably i was manipulated more than once. I bought something which i dont need or even not interested to buy, just because the seller was good at his job.

2. After second thought I think I dont want to have a power like this. Everybody has their own lifes and they should do what they really want, not what I would tell them to do. However sometimes it would be usefull to have a superpower to cotrnol someone`s attention. For example on somebody who is your crush.

3. It is hard to say, I think if I am really focused on something I have a good attention.
Mateusz Szych said…
1. Yes, I have. Nowadays, many thieves try to manipulate and distract us. Also, politicians use different tricks to convince us.

2. Yes of course. Superpower seems to be really amazing. I would love to use new skills for political purposes. I would start changing the world to my liking.

3. It's hard to say. I think I have good attention, but there are things that can distract me.
Vitalii Ohol said…
1. I sometimes notice when someone trying to manipulate my consciousness. I'm trying to avoid contact with other people as much as I can and when someone tries to contact with me, I always aware and angry.

2. Sometimes I read books and articles about human behaviors and manipulations. Sometimes I use it for my profit. So yes, this superpower will be very useful for everyday tasks. For what purposes? Of course for my evil deeds. :)

3. I have good attention only when I need it. In other situations, I can't spot box in the middle of my room for weeks or until someone tells me about that annoying box.
1. Personally, I have not experienced that someone manipulated me as it was presented in the attached material. However, watching this Ted's performance I felt manipulated and a little cheated. He is really good at what he does.

2. I can't agree that manipulating someone is some kind of superpower. In a sense it is a learned skill that when someone used it in appropriate situation it can be very useful.

3. I don't think I have the worst attention, however I don't really know when or how Ted changed his clothes.
1.Have you ever noticed that your consciousness might be manipulated by someone else? Why not?
1. Yes I did. Mostly by opinion of people in internet. Very often people rather love something or hate it, there is no middle ground and you seems to choose one of the sides.
2.Would you ever want to have such a superpower to control someone's attention or behavior? Why or for what purposes?
Yes. I think it is in human nature to seek attention and every one of us seek it in others
3.Do you think that you have a good attention?
3. I had but it seems every day it is getting worse ;)

Popular posts from this blog

Week 12 (12.01-18.01.15) Are you an early bird or a night owl ?

Owls are nocturnal creatures. They’re wide awake at night and they sleep during the day. If this sounds like bliss to you, then, like about 20 percent of the population who find themselves most active at around 9 pm, you may fall into the same category as our feathered friend. Night owls often have difficulty waking up in the morning, and like to be up late at night.  Studies of animal behaviour indicate that being a night owl may actually be built into some people’s genes. This would explain why those late-to-bed, late-to-rise people find it so difficult to change their behaviour. The trouble for night owls is that they just have to be at places such as work and school far too early. This is when the alarm clock becomes the night owl’s most important survival tool. Experts say that one way for a night owl to beat their dependence on their alarm clocks is to sleep with the curtains open. The Theory is that if they do so, the morning sunlight will awaken them gently and natura...

Week 11 [03-09.06.2019] The problem with ecological cars emission in UK

The problem with ecological cars emission in UK Since the adoption of the European Emission Allowance Directive in the European Parliament, all car makers have tried to submit. Since 1992, the Euro I standard has been in force, which limited the emission of carbon monoxide to the atmosphere. The Euro VI standard currently applies, which limits the series of exhaust gases. These include: hydrocarbons, nitrogen and carbon oxides, and dust.   The most significant change was brought by the Euro IV standard. For the first time it introduced the limitation of nitrogen oxides, which are responsible for the harmful compounds of smog.   What is smog?   Smog consists of sulfur oxides, nitrogen and carbon. In addition, solid substances such as suspended dust (PM). Dust suspend in atmospheric aerosols may be in liquid and solid form. These can be particles of sea salt, clouds from the Sahara and artificial compounds made by people. These compounds...

Week 4 [06-12.11.2017] This is what happens when you reply to spam email.

James Veitch is a British comedian. In today’s Ted Talk James with characteristic for himself a sense of humor shows how he deals with spam emails and why responding to junk messages may be sometimes dangerous. Questions: What do you think about James’s  way of dealing with spam? Why are junk messages legal, even though it sometimes may be a fraud? Dou you have a problem with spam? How do you deal with with it?