Can Perception be Changed?

How do you define perception? I've always thought that someone's perception is their own reality and that you can't really change someone's 'mind' but you can help them make a different decision.

However you define perception, can it truly be changed?

You've probably seen or are aware of the HackerSafe logo that gets plastered all over websites, especially those that sell things online. There have been other 'security logos' that have popped up over the years, but none have really come close to the visual image that the words HackerSafe give you while shopping online. You then associate that vision with the green/black/red colors. Now, that is your perception of security. Because your perception is your reality you feel secure when shopping on sites that display those words and colors in a logo.

Mcafee (a large anti-virus software company) goes and buys your precious perception of what those words and logo does. In other words, they bought ScanAlert who owned HackerSafe. Thinking that the word Mcafee is more well known and trusted than HackerSafe they go and change the words and logos (see image).

Can you be persuaded to change your perception? Or will they have to help you make a different decision about how you feel secure while shopping online. We'll see, but my thought is that they've got a huge challenge in front of them.

Time will tell ... you can read more detail and comments at the Grok Blog.