Subliminal distraction describes when subtle moving stimuli in our periphery are registered by the brain on a subconscious level and possibly influences perceptual and behavioral performance. This concept suggests that we have innate peripheral visual capabilities located in our reptilian visual system that can sense movement in the periphery. Although consciously unaware of this stimuli we can still subliminally hear sounds and subliminally detect movement which triggers the vision startle reflex.
The suppression of the vision startle reflex over time is hypothesized to be the cause of mental breaks in individuals, particularly office workers. This is a concept which needs more research in order to determine its effects on individuals and curtail any possible harmful effects.