NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, I just got back from a thing at school where a Hypnotist/Comedian came in and hypnotized people, made them do funny things, etc. I didn't buy it until I saw it, but these people were really hypnotized. He did a thing to everyone at the beginning to see who was suggestible, and a lot of people felt something, but I didn't feel a thing. So now, the question. Has anyone here been hypnotized, or is a hypnotist, or seen it, or believes, or doesn't believe in it? Voice your opinions here!

Hypnotism's a strange thing. We talked about it in my psychology class last semester, and there are lots of odd things about it. For instance, we know that hypnotized people aren't just play-acting, since they'll continue to act consistently even when left alone with hidden cameras. Also, people can choose to become unhypnotized depending on what you ask; you can't, for instance, hypnotize someone into being violent. And they're also completely conscious. It's weird.

Why would you not believe in hypnotism?

The problem is sitting down your hypnotee and hypnotising them...

Hypnotism's a strange thing. We talked about it in my psychology class last semester, and there are lots of odd things about it. For instance, we know that hypnotized people aren't just play-acting, since they'll continue to act consistently even when left alone with hidden cameras. Also, people can choose to become unhypnotized depending on what you ask; you can't, for instance, hypnotize someone into being violent. And they're also completely conscious. It's weird.
so then what is hypnotism? does it tap into the part of the psyche that makes people follow-the-leader so that they mesh with the group?

I have been hypnotized I felt completely in control the whole time, I didn't feel like I was doing things that I didn't want to, but apparently I did respond to some suggestions that I don't remember. I saw the tape, I didn't realize I was doing that, I remember answering questions, but the part where he said "do this" I don't remember and I don't remember doing it. It was surreal.

Well, I just got back from a thing at school where a Hypnotist/Comedian came in and hypnotized people, made them do funny things, etc. I didn't buy it until I saw it, but these people were really hypnotized. He did a thing to everyone at the beginning to see who was suggestible, and a lot of people felt something, but I didn't feel a thing. So now, the question. Has anyone here been hypnotized, or is a hypnotist, or seen it, or believes, or doesn't believe in it? Voice your opinions here!

Just don't listen to their voice or look them in the eyes.

It only works if you want it to work. The one time I saw stage hypnotism the guy chose the wrong audience member because while they played along at first they stood up while he was turned around and kicked him from behind. God that was funny.

Hypnotism's a strange thing. We talked about it in my psychology class last semester, and there are lots of odd things about it. For instance, we know that hypnotized people aren't just play-acting, since they'll continue to act consistently even when left alone with hidden cameras. Also, people can choose to become unhypnotized depending on what you ask; you can't, for instance, hypnotize someone into being violent. And they're also completely conscious. It's weird.

And dangerous, what if rights pressers, radical wingers, or cults and imperialistic religions get hold of this?

I was hypnotized once at a similar event, my college brought in a hypnotist, and I was one of 20 or so people on stage.

I remember certain parts very clearly, like being told to imitate my favorite animal (a tiger)...and also when the hypotist had us all act like 4 year olds. The hypnotist also had people in the audience hypnotized, as he had a word trigger that would elicit a response from those in the audience who had let themselves be hypnotized.

Other parts I had to be told about later...the most amusing of which was when the hypnotist made us all think we were naked. Everyone else ran around, trying to hide...while I apparently just stood there, cursing a blue streak because someone had stolen my clothes. :p

It was fun...I'd do it again. :)

Is it possible to use hypnosis to deprogram someone who was brainwashed?

Is there a subtle difference between hyponosis and meditation? From all accounts I have seen, the techniques for entering the states are very similar (except maybe excluding stage hypnotists).

I tried a Paul McKenna cd "self hypnosis for relaxation". Although this had the effect of subduing me and i generally sat quiet while listening, my conscious thoughts were still running and i easily stopped the cd when I thought he was advertising more of his products subtly. It is a peculiar phenomenon but i know it can only work if you want to listen and become hypnotised.