Subliminal messaging refers to the practice of sending messages below the threshold of conscious awareness. These messages can be visual or auditory and are designed to influence thoughts, feelings, or behaviors without the individual being aware of it. For example, a brief flash of an image or a faint sound might be embedded in a song or video. The concept gained popularity in the 1950s, particularly after the James Vicary experiment, which claimed that subliminal messages could increase popcorn and soda sales during a movie. However, subsequent research has shown mixed results, leading to ongoing debates about the effectiveness and ethical implications of subliminal messaging.