Alpha Waves - Nature, The Brain & T.V Advertising

Alpha waves are one type of brain waves detected either by electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) and predominantly originate from the occipital lobe during wakeful relaxation with closed eyes. Alpha waves are reduced with open eyes and drowsiness and sleep. They are thought to represent the activity of the visual cortex in an idle state. Occipital alpha waves during periods of eyes closed are the strongest EEG brain signals. They usually can be detected with the naked eye.





Alpha waves are detected at the eight electrode positions indicated in the diagram. Usually, feedback is generated for the following four positions: O1, O2, C3, C4. O is for Occipital, C is for Central, F is for Frontal, and T is for Temporal.



Old CRT Televisions & Computer Monitors are known to induce this state and has been described by proffessionals in peer journals as 'akin to staring at a blank wall.'

While new Digital LCD & Plasma screens apear to have removed the occurance Television Advertising has been deliberately modelled on the technique and apparently has no intenion of stopping the practice of trying to induce such waves due to its ability to increase suggestabilities of marketed products.