Assignment #4 – Question #2 – B

b. Explain in detail why the image(s) was beneficial for the post. (3 Marks)  

The images were beneficial to the post because they  

• Trigger emotions 

• Improve comprehension 

• Transmit messages faster 

First of all, the images in my infographic trigger emotional responses, as we discussed in class, “The brain is set up in a way that visual stimuli and emotional response is easily linked, and together the two form memories” (Briscoe, W9 – C – Importance of Visuals (W25).pdf, slide 14). Both positive and negative emotions are being evoked through my infographic, with images that evoke positive memories and feeling being on the left like the image of a mother kissing her baby, a green leaf and no waste packaging. We also learned that “Negative visual depictions are particularly useful for leaving a strong emotional impression.” The right side of my infographic evokes negative emotions with the images of the toxic symbol, the dog at the vet and the landfill of plastic. 

Next, these images are beneficial to the post because they help with learning and processing of the information I am giving in this infographic, which are the benefits of natural cleaners when compared to toxic cleaners. Because this is an infographic and my purpose is to inform, using images is useful because “Visuals have been found to improve learning by up to 400 percent” (Briscoe, W9 – C – Importance of Visuals (W25).pdf, slide 11). 

Lastly, the images are beneficial to the post because they allow my message to be transmitted faster than if there weren’t any images. In my infographic, the words could be removed, and viewers would still understand the message. This is because the human brain processes visual information 60,000x faster than text (Briscoe, W9 – B – The Power of Visuals (W25).pdf, slide 8). The message that toxic cleaners are harmful is transmitted through images in my infographic first and allows them to convey the message instead of relying on text to communicate.