Unspoil Your Spyware

Samsung self-hypnosis screenshot (Hat tip: Vigilant Citizen).

Last year, WikiLeaks' Vault 7 release included information on how the CIA hacked Samsung's smart televisions. The hacking tool, Weeping Angel,  turned the F8000 TV into a hot microphone, which recorded audio in the room even when owners thought their TV was off.

Samsung self-hypnosis screenshot (Hat tip: Vigilant Citizen).

Later in 2017, the South Korean corporation endured negative publicity as its heir, Lee Jae-Yong, went to prison. In 2016, Forbes considered Lee to be the 40th most powerful person in the world, indicating that this conviction was impressive. The 49-year-old only served one year of his five-year sentence. He was treated as a bystander in his country's huge political corruption scandal.

But Samsung takes a 'What, Me Worry?' attitude to all this. A corrupt Vice-Chairman; TVs as spyware; what's the problem? Why not respond to the negative publicity with a new brainwash feature?

"Photographer Benjamin Von Wong worked with Dell to 'resurrect' 4,100 pounds electronic waste (the average created in a lifetime) into gorgeous art." Image Source: Ad Week.

In 2018, Samsung released a new tool on their Website - Unspoil me - a self-hypnosis session for users who wanted to erase their own memories of their favourite TV shows. This option would enable viewers to watch the shows over and over, and each time would be just like the first time. No more spoilers!

Everything here could be summarized in one word: 'unhealthy':

"We love TV series. That’s why we focus on offering a wide range of content in our Smart TVs. It’s also why we give you the possibility to re-experience your favorite TV series with the same thrilling feeling you had the first time you watched it. With our remarkable picture quality you’ll also discover details you’ve never seen before – great for a fantastic binge-watching experience.

Have you chosen the TV series you’d like to forget? Good. You’ll soon be guided through self hypnosis.

Put on your headphones and make sure you won’t be disturbed. The hypnosis must be experienced without interruption in order to work."

Ulf Sandström and Fredrik Praesto, hypnotists for Samsung's Unspoil me service. 

In the 23-minute session, hypnotists Ulf Sandström and Fredrik Praesto will erase your memory, according to the FAQ:

"The possibility to forget your favorite TV series through hypnosis.

Below You will find answers to some of the most common questions regarding hypnosis and why we, at Samsung, have created Unspoil me.

Why have Samsung created Unspoil me?

With the Samsung QLED TV we want to offer you an amazing binge- watching experience; with a wide range of content and remarkable picture quality.

There’s really only one thing that could ruin your experience – that you already know how everything ends. That is why we created Unspoil me; a tool that gives you the possibility to forget your favorite TV series, so you can re-experience it with the same thrilling feeling you had the first time you watched it.

Does the hypnosis require a Samsung QLED TV in order to work?

No, however we recommend our Samsung QLED TV since it offers a wide range of content and remarkable picture quality."

How does the hypnosis work?

You decide what TV series you’d like to forget. Then you’ll be guided through self hypnosis in a digital audio experience, led by a certified hypnotist.

The experience lasts for about 23 minutes and has to be experienced without interruption in order to work. Therefore, we recommend you to use headphones and make sure you’re in a place where you won't be disturbed.

Once you’ve completed the hypnosis it’s recommended that you get one night's sleep, before you watch you favorite TV series for the first time again. In order for your brain to integrate the hypnosis with the rest of your body.

What can I forget through the hypnosis?

Unspoil me is designed to give you the possibility to forget a TV series, movie or video. You won’t forget anything you don’t want to.

Can I go through the hypnosis multiple times? Yes. For every TV series, movie or video you’d like to forget, you can go through the hypnosis again.

Will the hypnosis work on me?

Hypnosis doesn’t work for everyone, you’ll have to try and see!

In order for the hypnosis to work you need to experience it without any interruption and with full focus. Therefore, we recommend you to use headphones and make sure you’re in a place where you won't be disturbed.

Are there any risks with hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind and is done on your terms. It’s up to you if and when you’d like to cancel.

People suffering from mental illness or epilepsy should not go through the hypnosis. For more information please read the terms and conditions that you’ll find in connection to the audio experience.

Part of the hypnosis service includes a subscription to the American online streaming service for Home Box Office (HBO), so it looks like the hypnosis preps you for a bundled offer, along with a prompt to buy Samsung's QLED TVs.

Most likely, this is a soft disclosure: this creepy ambient marketing campaign acknowledges techniques that are probably already employed in different ways across the industry.