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Study Finds Fast-Food Logos Make You Impatient

A study conducted by the University of Toronto has found that exposure to fast-food logos can cause people to feel impatient and make them more likely to buy things. Subjects in the study were exposed to nearly imperceptible flashes of images (for 12 to 80 milliseconds) which included fast-food logos for some. The subjects were then asked to read about and choose between two different kinds of skin-care treatments, one of which was a three-in-one. Those who had the logos flashed before them read "significantly faster" and chose the more time-saving skin product. From the article: "The researchers concluded 'fast food, originally designed to save time, can have the unexpected consequence of inducing haste and impatience' and 'preference for time-saving products when there are potentially other important aspects upon which to choose a product.' So, basically, driving past a McDonald's on the highway has the potential to not only make you drive faster, it will make you more likely to buy two-for-one Pantene Pro-V Shampoo and Conditioner the next time you go to Duane Reade. One, it seems, is considerably less ominous than the other." I guess this explains why my nephews will chew on their seat belts and try to get out the windows just to be first into the McDonald's Playland.

2 of 122 comments (clear)

  1. Re:tl;dr by masshuu · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    They were to busy eating their big-mac and they wanted to spend their points.

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    O.o
  2. Re:Lookit the shapes by karcirate · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    True. For example, are those Jews and Muslims, who will not eat at any of those "joints", affected in the same way as those who aren't? (And would that explain why th -- wait, I am going to stop before I say something stupid.)