Supernormaali

Supernormaali is a Finnish term that translates to "supernormal" or "supernormal stimulus." It refers to an exaggerated version of a natural stimulus that triggers a response more strongly than the natural stimulus itself. This concept is often applied in discussions of consumer behavior, marketing, and evolutionary psychology.

The idea suggests that humans and other animals have evolved to respond to certain cues in their environment. Supernormal stimuli are typically simplifications or intensifications of these natural cues. For example, a bright red, perfectly round artificial berry might be perceived as more appealing than a natural berry of slightly irregular shape and duller color. In marketing, products are often designed to exploit supernormal stimuli, using vibrant colors, exaggerated flavors, or idealized imagery to attract attention and trigger desires.

The concept was popularized by ethologist Nikolaas Tinbergen, who observed that birds would peck more readily at an egg with brighter colors and larger spots than a natural egg. Similarly, humans might be drawn to overly attractive models in advertising or crave the intense sweetness of processed foods. While supernormal stimuli can be effective in eliciting a response, they can also lead to maladaptive behaviors or preferences when detached from their original ecological context. The term highlights the potential disconnect between evolved responses and modern environments.