Sameer Shuvro :
Modern ATMs have become our reliable, fast cash dispensers, offering a seamless way to access our funds anytime, anywhere. But have you ever stopped to listen closely to the rhythmic, almost mechanical sound that fills the air when you withdraw money?
It’s as if the machine is carefully counting each bill, like a tiny cash factory behind the screen. The strange thing is, this sound isn’t what it seems. In fact, it’s entirely fake.
The fake counting noise taps into our senses to build a trust. It’s like the fake camera’s shutter sound on smartphone or the roaringengine’s sounds in electric cars, seems much familiar and creates a connection to a real-world experience.
Studies in consumer behavior show that when people hear familiar sounds, they feel more secure with the transaction-no questions asked.
This audio feedback turns out people like to hear that their cash is coming-something about the sound makes the transaction feel more legit In today’s sleek, streamlined machines, the airconditioned ATM booths are mostly quiet.
Without the familiar “ch-ch-ch” sound, a cash withdrawal might feel too quick or too quite. Experts added the counting sound, creating the illusion of each paymentis being calculated, double-checked, and approved before coming out through the machine.
It’s a psychological trick to make you feel confident that your transaction is happening as it should be.
Who would have that thought for the first time, the click of a fake money-counting sound could make us feel so secure about our financial transactions?
(Sameer Shuvro is a business
entrepreneur)