Science Forums 2

[Fishteacher73]

While a bit off thread, I think it bears some connection. This was brought up by my father one day (a petrophysicist). He noted that many people assume that their peer group is a reasonable representaion of the population as a whole. Unfortunately I think the peer group here (as well as most of us probably have outside of here) is more than likely very skewed from the actual "norm". Just as my father had noted that most of his peers had PhD's or masters degrees, that is not representaional of the educational level of the "average Joe".

I bring this up in terms of how we (meaning our peer group, and not the ubiquitous "we") are influenced less by both the overt ploys (buy this cigarette...it will make you popular) and the more subtle images and messages (possible subliminal) because we recognize them. With this acknowledgement, they become much less effective. Much like having heard a joke before. You may giggle, but it isn't as funny as the first time.