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persuasion

This shows a brain surrounded by TV monitors.

·November 4, 2025·4 min read

Your Brain Knows a Viral Message Before You Do

A large-scale brain imaging analysis reveals that our brains can forecast what kinds of messages will go viral. Researchers found that persuasive messages consistently activate brain regions associated with reward, empathy, and social understanding, predicting both personal preferences and public appeal. Interestingly, while emotional brain activity predicted message success in larger audiences, it did not in individuals who were scanned.

This shows a brain scan with the ventromedial prefrontal cortex highlighted

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 3, 2021·5 min read

Our Brains May Think Two Steps Ahead When Trying to Sway Others

Study reveals how the brain utilizes forward-thinking when we try to influence others or gain social control.

This shows a group of people putting their hands together

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 23, 2019·3 min read

How personality affects susceptibility to persuasion

Study reveals our personality types may indicate how susceptible we are to the power of persuasion. Those who are more fearful tend to follow the crowd, while those whose personality traits fall into the dark triad are less likely to be influenced by authority figures. Those who are socially apt are more likely to be persuaded to do something it is consistent with their beliefs or prior actions.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 4, 2018·5 min read

Behavioral Strategies More Effective Than Persuasion When Promoting Vaccinations

Researchers say vaccination campaigns focused on persuasion may not be effective. The study reports interventions focused on shaping patients' and parents' behavior may be more effective in promoting vaccinations.

Featured Psychology

·April 2, 2018·4 min read

People Use Emotion to Persuade, Even When it Could Backfire

Researchers reveal people tend to be more persuaded towards appeals that are infused with emotion, regardless of whether they are negative or positive.