Behavioral Priming

Behavioral priming refers to the phenomenon where exposure to certain stimuli or cues influences a person’s subsequent thoughts, behaviors, or actions, often without their conscious awareness. For example, if someone reads words related to being elderly, they may unconsciously walk more slowly afterward. This concept suggests that our environment and the messages we encounter can shape how we act and make decisions. Essentially, it highlights how subtle influences can “prime” our behavior in specific contexts, impacting everything from our mood to our interactions with others.